Systems and methods of creative work collaborative systems

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and tangible computer-readable storage mediums for selecting a user for collaboration on a work, negotiating aspects of a collaboration and generating and managing agreements for collaboration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/004,149 filed Sep. 9, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, and which is a U.S. National Stage of PCTApplication No. PCT/US2012/072176, filed Dec. 28, 2012, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety and which relates toand claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/581,585, filedDec. 29, 2011 and entitled “CREATIVE WORK COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM”, andU.S. Provisional Application 61/733,801, filed Dec. 5, 2012 and entitled“CREATIVE WORK COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM”, the entirety of each is herebyincorporated by reference. This application is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/718,003filed May 20, 2015, which is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/004,149 filed Sep. 9, 2013, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and which is a U.S.National Stage of PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/072176, filed Dec. 28,2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andwhich relates to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application61/581,585, filed Dec. 29, 2011 and entitled “CREATIVE WORKCOLLABORATIVE SYSTEM”, and U.S. Provisional Application 61/733,801,filed Dec. 5, 2012 and entitled “CREATIVE WORK COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM”,the entirety of each is hereby incorporated by reference. Thisapplication is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/719,300 filed May 21, 2015, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/004,149 filed Sep. 9, 2013, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and which is a U.S.National Stage of PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/072176, filed Dec. 28,2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andwhich relates to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application61/581,585, filed Dec. 29, 2011 and entitled “CREATIVE WORKCOLLABORATIVE SYSTEM”, and U.S. Provisional Application 61/733,801,filed Dec. 5, 2012 and entitled “CREATIVE WORK COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM”,the entirety of each is hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the systems, methods, tangible, computer-readable storagemedia, and apparatuses for tracking collaboration are described herein.

One aspect of the present application is a method for trackingcollaboration. The method includes: providing, using a processor, anenvironment for collaboration between users; and tracking, using theprocessor, information regarding the collaboration; such that thetracked information includes rights information regarding rights of thecollaborating users.

Some further embodiments of the method include storing, in anon-transient, computer-readable storage medium, the rights information.According to some still further embodiments, storing the rightsinformation includes, at least one of: an assignment of rights document,a use agreement, a creative contribution authorization, an investmentagreement, a financing agreement, a crowd funding agreement, or acontribution credit.

Some further embodiments of the method include determining compensationfor at least one user based on the rights information. Some furtherembodiments include storing, in a non-transient, computer-readablestorage medium, at least one of: a work draft, derivative work relatedto the collaboration, or accounting data. Some further embodimentsinclude providing access to the tracked information to at least one userwho did not participate in the collaboration. Some further embodimentsinclude limiting a contribution made by a user based on one or morecollaboration criteria.

Some further embodiments of the method include: receiving, using theprocessor, a creative work; and storing, in a non-transient,computer-readable storage medium, the creative work.

Some further embodiments of the method include: storing, in anon-transient, computer-readable storage medium, initial content; andstoring, in the storage medium, additional content, such that theadditional content builds on the initial content. In some still furtherembodiments, the initial content includes, at least one of: an audiowork, a video work, an audiovisual work, a written work, a computergame, software, a photographic work, an artistic image, a log, asynthespian work, a virtual product, a live work, a trademark, aninvention, or a business or company formation.

Some further embodiments of the method include: storing, in anon-transient, computer-readable storage medium, initial content; andclosing the collaboration so that additional content will not be storedwith the initial content.

Some further embodiments of the method include: receiving, by theprocessor, from each of at least two user devices that are in closeproximity to each other, a live musical work.

Another aspect of the present invention is a computer system fortracking collaboration. The computer system includes: memory hardwarestoring program instructions, and one or more processors in datacommunication with the memory hardware and configured to execute theprogram instructions, and upon execution the program instructions causethe one or more processors to perform operations. In variousembodiments, the operations may include the steps of an embodiment ofthe method described above.

Yet another aspect of the present application is a tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium for tracking collaboration. Thetangible computer-readable storage medium has instructions encodedthereon. The instructions, when processed by a processing circuit,perform method steps. In various embodiments, the method steps mayinclude the steps of an embodiment of the method described above.

Still yet another aspect of the present application is an apparatus fortracking collaboration. This includes a processor configured to executeinstructions for the performance of method steps. In variousembodiments, the method steps may include the steps of an embodiment ofthe method described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a computer system for implementing a method ofproviding secure access to information, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment,such that user collaboration is tracked and rights are determined basedon the tracked collaboration; and

FIG. 4 is a diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, illustratinghow interactions with users affect a Master Profile;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment,such that an Content Controller invites a user, entity, or the like tocollaborate;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment,such that a member invites a Content Controller to allow the member tobecome a collaborator;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment,involving a Working Profile;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment,such that it is a continuation of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment,such that it is a continuation of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, illustratingan example of effects of setup and collaboration choices on a MasterProfile;

FIG. 11 is a diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, illustratinganother example of collaboration choices;

FIG. 12 is a diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, illustratingyet another example of collaboration choices;

FIG. 13 is a diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, illustratingan example of still more collaboration choices;

FIG. 14 is a diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, illustratingstill another example of collaboration choices; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, illustratingan example of a Master Profile mirrored on a Member Portfolio.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a method of selecting items based on detectedkey words or phrases.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a method of selecting a term forcollaboration based on a collaborative compatibility level.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a method of selecting a compatiblecollaborator according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The systems, methods, and tangible, computer-readable storage medium ofthe present invention provide a way of tracking collaboration. Nearlyubiquitous broadband Internet access currently provides extraordinaryopportunities to assist in the initiation and effectuation orcollaborative efforts by a plurality of persons to create collaborativeworks such as music, video, text, software, inventions, businesses,companies, etc. The existing process of online content creation can becharacterized as a “free for all” in which participants can take,repurpose, combine, and otherwise use another's online intellectualproperty without permission, enforceable terms of use, or rightsownership tracking. As a result, copyright infringement and otherviolations of intellectual property rights have become rampant. Variousembodiments of the present invention solve this problem by providing acontent-centric (as opposed to author-centric) system, method, orcomputer-readable storage medium, referred to herein as Creative WorksCollaborative System (“CWCS”), to initiate and effectuate the creationof collaborative works and to effectively authorize and track their useand rights related to the collaborative works.

The present invention is useful in a variety of scenarios. For example,some embodiments would be useful for collaborating on a song, software,a design for a building, or any other creative, logical, or any othertype of collaborative situation. In various embodiments, theparticipation in the collaboration is tracked so that those whosubmitted ideas can be rewarded with rights, such as a right to becompensated for their idea(s). This can encourage a stranger tocollaborate with other stranger(s) because they can trust that theirideas will be rewarded.

Various embodiments of methods of the present invention are envisionedto be carried out on a computer system, which include one or moreintegrated circuits or other processors. Various embodiments of suchsystems include programmable or special-purpose devices. Someembodiments of the system include one or more memory devices. Variousembodiments include persistent memory, non-persistent, or a combinationor persistent and non-persistent memory. Some embodiments includedynamic or static random access memories, flash memories, electronicallyerasable programmable memories, or the like. Some embodiments includememory that has instructions embedded therein, such that if executed bya programmable device, the instructions will carry out methods asdescribed herein to form systems and devices having functions asdescribed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary networked system forimplementing process(es) according to embodiments of the presentinvention may include, but is not limited to, a general-purposecomputing device 10 that interacts with users through a network, suchas, but not limited to, the Internet. In various embodiments, one ormore computing devices 10 may be the CWCS or may host the CWCS. Thecomputing device 10 may be a server 10 that communicates over a networkwith user devices 12, which include, but are not limited to,general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, mainframes, gamingdevices, tablet computers, smartphones, PDAs, audio players, audioeditors, text readers, text editors, video players, video editors,image/graphic readers, image/graphic editors, a processor-based device,and the like. User devices 12 may communicate with a server 10 through aweb site or through another type of software interface. The user devices12 may be mobile devices and the web site may be a mobile web site,intended to be accessed through mobile devices. The user devices 12 maycommunicate with a server 10 through one or more applications includingcomputer-executable instructions. Alternative embodiments may notinvolve a network at all, and may instead be implemented on a standalonedevice 10 used by the user(s). In some alternate embodiments, userdevices 12 communicate with each other in a peer-to-peer manner, withoutrequiring a server 10.

The server 10 may be implemented as a network of computer processors. Insome implementations, the server may be multiple servers, mainframecomputers, networked computers, a processor-based device, or a similartype of system or device. In some implementations, the server 10 may bea server farm or data center. The server 10 may receive connectionsthrough a load-balancing server or servers. In some implementations, atask may be divided among multiple servers 10 that are working togethercooperatively.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 2, an exemplary system for implementing themethod(s) discussed includes (but is not limited to) a general-purposecomputing device in the form of a conventional computer, including aprocessing unit 22 or processor, a system memory 26, and a system bus 28that couples various system components including the system memory 26 tothe processing unit 22. The system memory 26 may include one or moresuitable memory devices such as, but not limited to, RAM. The computermay include a storage medium 24, such as, but not limited to, a solidstate storage device and/or a magnetic hard disk drive (“HDD”) forreading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk, a magnetic disk drivefor reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an opticaldisk drive for reading from or writing to removable optical disk such asa CD-RW or other optical media, flash memory, etc. A storage medium 24may be external to the computer, such as external drive(s), externalserver(s) including database(s), or the like. The drives and theirassociated computer-readable media may provide non-transient,non-volatile storage of computer-executable instructions, datastructures, program modules, and other data for the computer to functionin the manner described herein. Various embodiments employing softwareand/or Web implementations are accomplished with standard programmingtechniques.

According to various embodiments, computer-executable instructions mayencode a process of securely sharing access to information. Theinstructions may be executable as a standalone, computer-executableprogram, as multiple programs, may be executable as a script that isexecutable by another program, or the like.

With reference to FIG. 3, a method of tracking collaboration accordingto various embodiments is implemented by a computer system (see FIG. 2)according to a process depicted in FIG. 3. A processor 22 executesinstructions that instruct that information be saved to a storage medium24 (see FIG. 2).

In step 32, the computer system provides an environment, using aprocessor 22, for one or more users to collaborate. In some embodiments,the environment is configured so that multiple users can collaborate. Insome embodiments, the environment is configured so that a single usercollaborates. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, thesingle user can add to or subtract from an existing work(s) or create anew work(s). In such cases, the term “collaboration” as used hereinincludes the situation that the single user is “collaborating.”

A “user”, as used herein, in some embodiments, is a single user or agroup of users. A “user,” is some embodiments, is a human user, amachine, a virtual machine, or a combination of any number of those. Invarious embodiments, a user means a user of the system of FIG. 1. Invarious embodiments, a user is one or more persons, groups, entities,communities, CWCS Communities, networks, machines and/or user devices12, businesses, companies, or other entities, enterprise or endeavorsincluding or otherwise involving (a) a plurality of persons and/orcomputers or other devices (such as artificial intelligence devices),(b) one or more communities or networks. A “Member” as used herein is aperson or entity that is a member of, or otherwise belongs to the CWCSCommunity, an authorized user of the CWCS, and/or an authorized user ofone or more CWCS Software Plug-ins. In some embodiments, the terms“Member”, “User,” “user,” and “party” are synonymous.

In some embodiments, a “CWCS Community” is a social network that usesthe CWCS to enable collaborative efforts of all kinds. In someembodiments, the CWCS uses, communicates with, links to, or otherwisesupports, a plurality of CWCS Communities. A CWCS Community, in someembodiments, includes (i) all of the members of CWCS, (ii) all suchmembers plus visitors to the CWCS, (iii) a subset of users of the CWCS,such as venders of content available at or through CWCS, (iv) licensorsinterested in licensing content via the CWCS and/or from Membersthereof, (v) persons associated with websites affiliated with the CWCS,or (vi) any combination of all or part of the foregoing.

The term “person” or “persons” as used herein, shall mean human beingsand, where appropriate, can also mean computers and the like, cyborgs,any machine or device using, incorporating or displaying, artificialintelligence, or the like, and/or any combination of the foregoingcapable of engaging in any kind of collaborative effort, alone or withone or more other persons, to create, in whole or in part, one or moreCollaborative Works of any kind. In some embodiments, the environment isan online environment. For example, an online environment, in someembodiments, includes that a user device 12 accesses a server 10 oranother user device 12 over a network. In some embodiments, theenvironment is an offline environment accessible through a user device12. For example, an offline environment, in some embodiments, includes acopy of a work on a user device 12 that can be updated by a server 10upon or after the user device 12 becomes connected to the server 10.

In some embodiments, the environment provides for direct collaborationbetween users. According to some further embodiments, users interactwith each other through the environments in real time, through messagingthat is not necessarily received in real time, or the like. Inalternative embodiments, the environment provides for indirectcollaboration. For example, in some embodiments, a work is provided fromsomeone who is not a user of the environment.

In some embodiments, the collaboration regards content that includes anytype of updatable content. In some preferred embodiments, a workincludes one or more digital files. According to some exemplaryembodiments, works include digital recordings, or the like. In someembodiments, a work includes creative content, such as music, audioworks, video works, audiovisual works, game works, photographs, textualworks, graphical works, software, live works, inventions, designs,software, computer applications, trademarks, businesses, companies, andother endeavors amenable to collaborative effort by one or a pluralityof persons, entities, communities, networks, computers and/or otherdevices, including without limitation, robots and AI devices. A“Collaborative Work” as used herein is a non-transient manifestation ofcollaborative creative effort by one or more individuals and one or moreother individuals and/or computers or other devices programmed tocollaborate with one or more persons, computers or other devices. Forexample, in some preferred embodiments, a “Collaborative Work” resultsfrom a Source Work. The terms “Collaborative Work,” “CollaborationWork,” “work,” and “Creative Work” are used herein interchangeably andhave the same meaning.

“Source Work” as used herein is an original or particular version of awork that is the starting basis for the collaboration. In someembodiments, a Source Work is a song, a sound recording or other audiowork, a video work, a written work, an artistic image, a photograph orother visual work, a textual work, a design, a logo, a trademark,software, an invention, a computer application, a synthespian work, avirtual product, such as a virtual version of a real object, such asgarments for an avatar, a live work, a business or company formation, orany other type of project, work, matter, and/or set of rights associatedtherewith, of any kind, directly or indirectly amenable to creation,synthesis, modification, improvement, exploitation or derivation by,through or in association with, collaborative effort by a user, amenableto creation, or modification by, collaborative effort that is madeavailable for collaboration via the CWCS; or any other kind of work orproject made available to users of the CWCS for collaboration In someembodiments a Collaborative Work is the Source Work for the creation ofone or more subsequent or other Collaborative Works therefrom.

According to various embodiments, one or more works are storednon-transiently, in a storage medium 24. In various further embodiments,updates to the work(s) are stored. In still further various embodiments,information about the user who provided the update is stored.

In step 34, the computer system tracks information about thecollaboration. According to various embodiments, tracked information isstored, non-transiently, in a storage medium 24.

In some preferred embodiments, the CWCS tracks the legacy and variousversions and other incarnations of a Source Work, for example, as itdevelops through the collaboration process to generate one or moreCollaboration Works. In some preferred embodiments, one or moreindividuals (users, members, etc.) or Groups collaborate and sharecreative works to create one or more derivative works from the SourceWork, and/or derivative works of such derivative works, and so on, etc.The Source Work and all derivative works thereof collaboratively createdby or through the CWCS, or imported into the CWCS, or updated with theMaster Profile and the CWCS File through the CWCS Software Plug-in,including without limitation, various Collaboration Works, reside in, orare otherwise associated, linked or in communication with, the CWCS. Insome embodiments of the CWCS, an authorized user, member, group, groupmember, etc., can locate legal documents associated with the Source Workand/or Collaboration Works associated therewith.

In some exemplary embodiments, information about which user added whatcontribution is tracked.

In various embodiments, the tracked information includes one or moredocuments. In some embodiments, a document describes and/or evincesrights. In some embodiments, such documents include an assignments ofrights document, other rights and use agreements pertaining to theSource Work and associated Collaboration Works, creative contributionauthorizations, investment agreements, crowd funding agreements,descriptive terms, contribution credits, work drafts, other creationsand derivations of the Source Work and/or Collaboration Works,accounting data and other information pertaining to the Source Workand/or related Collaboration Works. In some embodiments, documents andother data regarding rights, licenses, use agreements, and financingagreements associated with the Source Work, Collaboration Works, andrecordings thereof are associated with the Source Work and SourceWork-related Collaboration Work(s) (if any).

In step 36, the computer system determines rights based on the trackedinformation. According to various embodiments, information regarding thedetermined rights is stored, non-transiently, in a storage medium 24.

In some exemplary embodiments, compensation is determined. For example,a right to compensation is determined. In some embodiments, compensationinformation is determined regarding all or a portion of the users whocollaborated on the work.

In various embodiments, rights information is tracked related to thetype, nature, or extent of one or more users' individualcontribution(s).

In some embodiments, all or substantially all derivations of the SourceWork and other incarnations of related works created through the use of,or imported into the CWCS are housed in a profile (“Master Profile”).According to various embodiments, a Master Profile is stored in adatabase, file, or other similar data storage entity capable of beingstored in non-transient memory. In various embodiments, a Master Profileis stored in a storage medium 24. In various embodiments, a MasterProfile is accessible via a software user interface provided by theCWCS.

FIG. 4 illustrates a CWCS according to an embodiment, which, in variousembodiments, maintains and/or stores in a storage medium 24 a MasterProfile that is affected by Member interaction.

In some preferred embodiments, the Master Profile provides to a uservarious definitional selections to allow works, such as a musical work,or a software collaboration, to have descriptive information associatedtherewith. According to some embodiments, such definitional selectionsenable the user to associate, for example regarding a musical work,preselected terms pertaining to genre, style, tempo, beats-per-minute,etc. In some embodiments, other descriptive information can beassociated with the work, including but not limited to, for example withrespect to a musical Source Work, instrumentation data, music notation,and other information. In some preferred embodiments, a Master Profilework, such as a song or a video, for example, can be auditioned andcritiqued.

Some embodiments also include display of information regarding whether awork or project (e.g., a song) is “Open to Collaboration” or “Closed toCollaboration.” In some embodiments, “Open to Collaboration” means aSource Work or Collaboration Work, such as a song, for example, that isopen to Invitees for collaboration. In some embodiments, a Source Workor Collaboration Work is Open to Collaboration only to a specifiedsubset of Users, such as, for example, to specifically selected Users,Badged Users, Users with a specified quality rating, or Users for whomthe Collaborative Work remains Open to Collaboration by the terms of anassociated agreement, etc.

“Closed to Collaboration” means a Source Work or previously createdCollaborative Work, such as a song, that is not available to Users tocreate derivative works from. For example, in some embodiments, songsthat are “Closed to Collaboration” are not available to Invitees tomanipulate into new incarnations or versions of the song. According tosome preferred embodiments, works that are “Closed to Collaboration” areclosed by a Content Controller (or in some preferred embodiments, anoperator of the CWCS) from any future changes, or from any changes untilthe Content Controller (or an operator of the CWCS) authorizes orenables such changes to be made. In some embodiments, generally, when aCollaboration is Closed to Collaboration, the Collaboration is not opento any User for Collaboration. However, in some embodiments, aCollaboration is Closed to Collaboration in general, but remains Open ToCollaboration to one or more Users. In some such embodiments, the“Closed to Collaboration” status is overridden by a setting an option inthe Preferences in the Working Profile or by associated agreement thatoverrides the Closed to Collaboration status regarding the CollaborativeWork with respect to certain specified Users, such as, for example,specifically selected Users, Badged Users, Users with a specifiedquality rating, or Users for whom the Collaborative Work remains Open toCollaboration by the terms of an associated agreement, etc.

In some embodiments, a “Working Profile” is an online interface that iscreated by, managed by, maintained by, and accessible though the CWCSfor Content Controllers and Content Participants who wish to Collaborateon a Source Work to create a new or modified version, incarnation,rendition, etc., of the Source Work. In some embodiments, a WorkingProfile allows for specific collaboration preferences to be set, suchas, but not limited to: time limit to collaboration duration, use of anonline CWCS Studio, using personal offline studio, selecting the type ofstudio to be used (audio, video, graphic, literary, coding, photo,etc.), ownership of new Collaborative Work, royalty distribution and/orrevenue sharing arrangement(s), regarding revenues generated by theexploitation of the resultant, or authorized resultant, CollaborativeWork {e.g., as such are specified by the Content Controller for the newcollaboration), financing and capitalization data, crowd sourcingopportunities, Crowd Funding opportunities, payment requirements (e.g.,“pay-to-play” requirements), Qualification Rating requirements,contribution limitations, whether one or more CWCS Software Plug-inswill be used, and what specifications pertaining to such one or moreCWCS Software Plug-Ins will be, etc. In some embodiments, messages canbe posted, media files can be uploaded and downloaded, and media filescan be edited online in association with the Working Profile.

In some preferred embodiments, a Working Profile cannot be createdunless the Working Profile Preferences are set and an agreement isdigitally signed or otherwise executed by all appropriate parties andsuch agreement is stored in the CWCS (e.g., in some embodiments, in orin association with the Working Profile itself). In some preferredembodiments, hard copy documents are executed, scanned, and digitallyprovided to the Master Profile.

In some preferred embodiments, once a Working Profile is closed for aspecific Collaborative Work or other Creative Work it cannot be openedagain unless a new agreement is created and signed (e.g., via an onlineauthentication and/or execution mechanism). In some preferredembodiments, once a Working Profile is opened, the Working ProfilePreferences for the Working Profile cannot be changed without a newagreement being created and signed by the Content Controller and ContentParticipants. In some embodiments, Working Profiles Preferences cannotbe changed once a Working Profile is opened without the execution of anew agreement for any changes to be made. The CWCS Software Plug-in willautomatically update nod post changes to the Working Profile if theWorking Profile Preferences indicate that one or more Participants areusing an offline studio and/or one or more CWCS Software Plug-ins.

According to various embodiments, a “Content Participant” is a user,entity, or user device 12 to which the CWCS has relayed a request tocollaborate on one or more specific Creative Works. In variousembodiments, the Content Participant is not the Content Controller forthe Source Work or for the specific Creative Work the ContentParticipant is asked to collaborate on.

In some embodiments, a “Qualification Rating” is a rating associatedwith a user that is appurtenant to the user's collaboration talents,abilities, and/or previous collaboration experience that is provided toother users to assist such other users to evaluate the potentialcollaboration talents, etc. of the user. In some embodiments, theQualification Rating is stored by the CWCS in non-transient memory 24.In some preferred embodiments, the qualification rating is awarded bythe CWCS through a badging process where the Badge acts as a seal ofapproval, reflecting that the qualifications and accomplishments thathave been certified.

In some embodiments, a “Badge” is a marker that is embedded in a profileor creative work reflecting that all levels of a status and/orauthentication have been met. In some embodiments, a Badge reflects aquality rating. In various embodiments, “badging” is the process ofassigning a Badge to a user, entity, or user device 12.

In some embodiments, a work in a Master Profile can be Released orUnreleased by the CWCS. According to various embodiments, “Released”means a Source Work or Collaboration Work made from a Source Work that aCWCS provides so that it is available for auditioning, viewing,experiencing, or the like, by the entire CWCS community. In somepreferred embodiments, a Released work is a work that is available forauditioning by a designated subset of the CWCS community.

In various embodiments, “Unreleased” means a Source Work that isunavailable for auditioning or viewing by the entire CWCS Community(except by authorized users). In some embodiments, a Source Work is“Unreleased” if the CWCS makes it unavailable for auditioning/viewing bya preselected or otherwise pre-specified subset of one or more of theCWCS Communities. In some preferred embodiments, an Unreleased CreativeWork can be provided by a CWCS to a user device 12 forauditioning/viewing if it is made available privately by the ContentController for Collaboration.

In some embodiments, a “Content Controller” is a user, entity, or userdevice 12 that has the right to control specified aspects or features ofthe collaboration process effectuated via the CWCS or the licensedsoftware of the CWCS. In some embodiments, for example, the ContentController controls all the Working Profile Preferences for subjectCollaborations and/or Source Works for which the person or entityfunctions as the Content Controller. In some embodiments, the ContentController has the ultimate authority and ability to accept or rejectchanges to Working Profile preferences that have been submitted,transmitted, proposed, or otherwise provided by one or more othermembers. In some embodiments, the CWCS provides an option for theContent Controller to control the Master Profile Preferences and theWorking Profile Preferences. For example, in some preferred embodiments,a Content Controller has the right to authorize whether a Source Work orCollaboration Work is Open to Collaboration or Closed to Collaboration.In some embodiments, the Content Controller controls all decision makingin regard to the Creative Work, including, but not limited to, decisionmaking, and triggered implementation (via the CWCS) of Working Profilepreferences set for Collaboration, making a Work Open or Closed toCollaboration making the results of a Collaboration subject to one ormore agreements, such as a licensing agreement, crowd-fundingagreements, exploitation agreements, revenue sharing agreements, etc.

In some preferred embodiments, the Master Profile includes parts of awork authorized and accessible for collaboration. In some preferredembodiments, for example, regarding multi-track recordings of music andother sound recordings, one or more tracks are made available within theMaster Profile for modification by an authorized Invitee. In somepreferred embodiments, an Invitee is authorized to add one or moreadditional tracks to a recording, for example, to an existingmulti-track recording.

In some preferred embodiments, one or more Collaboration Agreementspertaining to the works included in the Master Profile are received byand maintained in the Master Profile. According to some embodiments, a“Collaboration Agreement” is an agreement setting forth the terms ofauthorized collaboration regarding the creation of one or moreCollaboration Works. In some preferred embodiments, the CollaborationAgreement includes terms limiting the amount of time a party has toprovide the party's collaborative efforts. In some preferredembodiments, a Collaboration Agreement also includes terms regardingauthorized and/or agreed-upon exploitation of the subject CollaborationWork(s), such as how and where a musical work will be published and howremuneration will be paid to parties who have collaborated in thecreation of the subject Collaboration Work. In some preferredembodiments, the parties to the Collaboration Agreement execute theCollaboration Agreement document digitally. In some preferredembodiments, execution of the Collaboration Agreement is authenticatedvia means such as those used by e-Original.

In some preferred embodiments, the “Collaboration Agreement” is modifiedby one or more parties, such as through a CWCS receiving informationfrom user device(s) 12, and regenerated for execution. In some preferredembodiments, specified terms in a digital Collaboration Agreement areseparately agreed upon by the parties to the Collaboration Agreement.For example, according to some embodiments, this is accomplished throughonline “click to agree” contractual agreement. Agreeing to some terms,but not others, in some embodiments, causes the CWCS system to allow ornot allow to operate the associated certain specified functions providedin or through the CWCS system.

In some preferred embodiments, Collaboration Agreements are accessed asauthorized by an authorizing party (e.g., in some preferred embodiments,the work's Owner, its Content Controller, the CWCS Operator and/or aparty to the subject agreement).

In some preferred embodiments, information regarding the exploitation ofCollaborative Works is provided to and maintained in the Master Profile.In some preferred embodiments, such recordation of exploitation dataprovides to the contributors accounting and statistical data regardingexploitation of Collaboration Works that they contributed to. In somepreferred embodiments, accounting information, for example, informationincluding but not limited to, banking account numbers and accountsreceivable and accounts payable, is included in the Master Profile. Insome preferred embodiments, access to such data is limited to somecollaborators but not others based on rights or interests specified inone or more Collaboration Agreements. In some preferred embodiments, theMaster Profile includes agreements and/or other data regarding financingfor or investment in a collaboration project using the CWCS, aCollaborative Work, and/or company or business associated therewith,including, without limitation, requirements for, and/or status of, CrowdFinancing or other types of Crowd Funding for the collaboration project,Collaborative Work and/or associated company and/or business. In someembodiments, Working Profiles and legacy information associated to aCreative Work and/or Collaboration Working Profile are included in theirrespective Master Profile.

In various embodiments, “Crowd Financing” means any form of raisingcapital, such as for a project or enterprise, by appealing to aplurality persons for contribution or investment. In variousembodiments, this includes appeal through online communication, such asvia the use of the CWCS. The terms “Crowd Funding” and “Crowd SourceFinancing” are used herein interchangeabley, have the same meaning, andshall include the definitions for gifting-type crowd funding,investment-type crowd funding, and crowd funding definitions that areused in or in association with the Entrepreneur Access To Capital Act(HR2930).

In some embodiments, a “CWCS File” is part of the Master Profile. A CWCSFile is a file that is readable by a computer or device 10, 12. In someembodiments, a CWCS File can be read and/or manipulated by devices suchas audio players, audio editors, text readers, text editors, videoplayers, video editors, image/graphic readers and image/graphic editors,etc.

In some embodiments, files can only be authorized by the CWCS or by aCWCS software Plug-in. In some embodiments, the CWCS File will includeall information in the Master Profile. In some preferred embodiments,the CWCS File will include some or parts of the information in theMaster Profile. In some embodiments, this is the case when aCollaborative Work only includes the information that pertains to thespecific Collaboration and not other Collaborative efforts associated tothe Master Profile set by the content controller. In some embodiments,the CWCS File has a date stamp that can be verified, validated, and/orupdated with the CWCS system to maintain up-to-date information from theMaster Profile.

In various embodiments, a CWCS Software Plug-in is software that canfunction as a stand-alone Offline Studio or as a plug-in that allows acomputer and/or computer software programs to read and play and/or edita CWCS File. In some preferred embodiments, the CWCS Software Plug-inwill allow the user to manipulate the CWCS File as, or in associationwith, an Offline Studio. In some preferred embodiments, the CWCSSoftware Plug-in will allow the user to manipulate the CWCS File withother stand-alone computer software programs. In some preferredembodiments, the CWCS Software Plug-in will not allow the user tomanipulate the CWCS File or aspects of the file. Some examples ofsoftware programs that the CWCS Software Plug-in works with are,according to some embodiments, software associated with the controland/or other use of audio players, audio editors, synthesizers, soundgenerating devices, text readers, text editors, video players, videoeditors, image readers, data readers, data editors and image editors.

In some embodiments, a CWCS Software Plug-in renders and authorizes CWCSFiles that are automatically updated with the CWCS Master Profile. Insome preferred embodiments, the CWCS Software Plug-in will update anychanges or renditions made, in real time, to a Working Profile that isassociated with a collaborative Work. In some such embodiments, changesand renditions are automatically posted as progress in the WorkingProfile.

In some embodiments, CWCS Software Plug-ins can be programmed andconfigured to work with computers and/or machines that utilizeartificial intelligence (“AI”) programming. In some such embodiments,the CWCS allows such configured computers to communicate and collaboratewith each other through the CWCS. For example, in some embodimentsinvolving AI configured computers, the CWCS Software Plug-in inconjunction with the CWCS and CWCS File will interpret or translate andallow or disallow specific functionality and sharing and/orcollaboration between two or more AI entities. In some preferredembodiments, the functionality and sharing between two or more AIentities is dependent on the Master Profile Preferences and WorkingProfile Preferences set for a specific Master Profile and CWCS File. Insome preferred embodiments, the functionality and sharing between two ormore AI entities is not dependent on the Master Profile Preferences andWorking Profile Preferences set for a specific Master Profile and CWCSFile. In some preferred embodiments, AI collaboration profiles are setmanually. In some embodiments, AI collaborative profiles are setautomatically. In some embodiments, these preferences allow or disallowactions and modifications taken by AI participants in an AIcollaboration. In some preferred embodiments, the CWCS Software Plug-inwill request and take direct control of a computer, machine, or AI tofacilitate, moderate, communicate, regulate, and/or track changes to acollaborative effort by and for one or more computer, machine, or AI.

In various embodiments, a “Studio” is a physical or virtual device,functionality or facility for sound recording and sound mixing, videowork, photograph work, other visual work, textual work, design, logos,trademarks, software, computer application, invention, or other work orproject of any kind amenable to collaborative efforts, that provides themeans to create, manipulate, modify, and/or otherwise effectuate aCreative Work. In some embodiments, the device, functionality, orfacility is (i) physically located in a home, office, or other physicallocation, (ii) a virtual facility, such as where some or all of thesound recording, sound manipulation, synthesis, editing, etc., isaccomplished online, or (iii) a combination of physical and virtualfacilities. In some embodiments, the “Studio” includes means to recordand process sound information via popular music production programs suchas Pro Tools®, Logic®, Cakewalk®, etc. In some embodiments, a Studio isa user device 12 or a server 10.

An “Offline Studio” is a Studio and/or software that allows acollaborator to use features of the CWCS offline. In some embodiments,Offline Studios facilitate manipulation of a Source Work, aCollaborative Work and/or files associated therewith, such as soundrecordings, video recordings, text, images, coding, etc. In variousembodiments, an Offline Studio is provided substantially offline and notdirectly by the CWCS through an online means. In some embodiments, oneor more Offline Studios that are connected to the Internet stillinteract with the CWCS. In some embodiments, an Offline Studio iseffectuated through a CWCS Software Plug In. In some embodiments, thedata flow between an Offline Studio and the CWCS is effectuated througha user interface that is a part of the CWCS or provided by an operatorof the CWCS. In some embodiments, the data flow between an OfflineStudio and the CWCS is effectuated through an interface provided in anOffline Studio by a third-party vendor, which in some embodiments is thecase if such interface is a part of a third party program (e.g., Logic®,Pro Tools®, etc.), by a third-party or third-party software.

In some embodiments, an “Online Studio” is a Studio whereby the means bywhich recordings and other files, associated with one or more SourceWorks or a Collaborative Works (e.g., sound recordings, videorecordings, images, text, code, etc.) are manipulated online orotherwise used through the use of the CWCS, online. In some embodiments,some or all of the features and/or use of the Online Studio iseffectuated within, or in digital communication with, the WorkingProfile. In some embodiments, an Online Studio cannot be accessed by auser unless one or more appropriate online agreements have been enteredinto by the user.

In some preferred embodiments, if a Member has the appropriateprivileges set by the Working Profile, the CWCS File(s) can be modifiedby members using audio editors, text editors, video editors andimage/graphic editors, etc., through the CWCS Software Plug-in. In somepreferred embodiments, Members of the CWCS cannot download the CWCS Filefrom a Master Profile unless a Working Profile has been created and theMember has acquired the proper rights to the CWCS File. In somepreferred embodiments, the CWCS File can be downloaded by Members foraudition/viewing/reading purposes only.

In some embodiments, the CWCS File(s) associated with a Master Profileautomatically update information from and to the Master Profile to theCWCS File. In some embodiments, such information is passed to and fromdatabases on a plurality of computers via the Internet or anothercomputer network. For example, in some embodiments, if the MasterProfile is changed, all CWCS Files associated with the Master Profile ona plurality of Internet-connected computers are updated. Similarly, insome embodiments, if a CWCS File is changed, through the use of the CWCS(e.g., via the use of a CWCS Software Plug-in), the Master Profile andall other CWCS Files associated with the Master Profile are updated. Insome embodiments, this process can be effectuated via a plurality ofcomputers connected via the Internet or another computer network. Insome embodiments, a CWCS File is stored in non-transitory memory 24 bythe CWCS or by a user device 12.

In some embodiments, if a CWCS File resides on a computer that is notattached to the Internet (or is otherwise not in communication with oneor more other networked computers), when and if that file is moved via aportable data storage drive, email, or any other electronic/data filetransfer system to a computer that is on the Internet (or other computernetwork, as appropriate), data incorporated in, or associated with, thatfile will “ping” (e.g., signal) the CWCS and update itself or be updatedby updating functionality in the CWCS. In some embodiments, if a CWCSFile is imported into a audio/video/text editor and/or reader that doesnot recognize the CWCS File, the user (or a user device 12) is promptedto download the CWCS Software Plug-in, which will then allow the audioplayers, audio editors, text readers, text editors, video players; videoeditors, image/graphic readers and image/graphic editors, etc. to readthe file. In some preferred embodiments, if a CWCS File is imported intoa audio/video/text editor and/or reader that does not recognize the CWCSFile, the CWCS Software Plug-in is automatically installed which willthen allow the audio players, audio editors, text readers, text editors,video players, video editors, image/graphic readers and image/graphiceditors, etc. to read the file.

In some embodiments, the Master Profile and the CWCS File automaticallyupdate each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the update is bycomparing the data in the Master Profile and the CWCS File and modifyingthe respective files so they match.

In some preferred embodiments, the CWCS associates with such works adata thread which associates Inviter contribution invitations.

In some preferred embodiments, all of the aforementioned data-threadinformation is available to Invitees. In some preferred embodiments,only some of the data-thread information is available to Invitees. Insome preferred embodiments, Inviters select the kinds of data threadinformation available to Invitees in the Master Profile. In somepreferred embodiments, all of the aforementioned data thread informationis available to Inviters. In some preferred embodiments, only some ofthe data thread information is available to Inviters. In some preferredembodiments, some or all of the data thread information is accessible byInvitees and/or Inviters based on the respective Invitee's and/orInviter's location, membership status, or criteria or other control setby the Inviter, Content Controller, and/or CWCS Operator.

An “Inviter” is a user, entity, or user device 12 that invites anInvitee to collaboratively create a Collaborative Work using the CWCS.The Inviter controls whether a Source Work or Collaboration Workresulting therefrom is “Open to Collaboration” or “Closed toCollaboration.” In some preferred embodiments of the invention, theInviter is an Owner.

An invitee is a user, entity, or user device 12 that accepts aninvitation to collaborate using the CWCS. In some embodiments, inviteesdo not control the “Open to Collaboration” or “Closed to Collaboration”settings in the CWCS regarding a Source Work or Collaboration Work. Insome preferred embodiments, an Owner is an Invitee.

According to various embodiments, an Owner is a user, entity, or userdevice 12 that owns the rights to upload or otherwise provide to theCWCS a Source Work or Collaborative Work for audition and/orcollaboration. In some embodiments, the Owner changes if the MasterProfile Preferences and/or Working Profile Preferences specify suchchange of ownership. For example, in some embodiments, ownership isinitiated or transferred by or to a crowd funding entity.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the Owner is, withrespect to a Source Work or a Collaborative Work resulting there from,also the Inviter. In some preferred embodiments, however, the Owner isan Invitee. For example, in some embodiments, when an Owner is invitedto engage in a collaboration with another party regarding the Owner'swork, the Owner is an Invitee. In some embodiments, an Owner can also beinvited by another to engage in a collaborative effort to produce aCollaborative Work involving the Owner's work.

Master Profile Preferences are preferences set by the Member who uploadsa Creative Work into the CWCS. In some embodiments, the Master ProfilePreferences are stored in non-transitory memory 24 by the CWCS. In someembodiments, the Master Profile preferences are rights and restrictionsfor a creative work. In some embodiments, these preferences include, butare not limited to, indicators of: “Open to Collaboration,” “Closed toCollaboration,” “Released,” “Unreleased,” financial data, crowd sourcingopportunities, Crowd Funding opportunities, payment requirements (e.g.,pay-to-play”, requirements), etc.

In some preferred embodiments, the Member who uploads a creative worksets the Master Profile Preferences. In some preferred embodiments, anoperator controlling the CWCS sets the Master Profile Preferences. Insome preferred embodiments, Master Profile Preferences can be edited andchanged. In some preferred embodiments, the Master Profile Preferencescannot be edited or changed.

In some embodiments, “Working Profile Preferences” mean the CWCSfunctions that (i) set the search parameter(s) and/or one or morecriteria for potential collaborators through Collaborative Matching and(ii) set the restriction(s) and authorization(s) for a new collaborativework. In some embodiments, the aforementioned restrictions andauthorizations must be agreed upon and put in a legal document andexecuted before a Working Profile is opened or created.

In some embodiments, Collaborative Matching is a search algorithm of theCWCS that will use data stored in non-transitory memory 24 of the CWCSand/or in one or more CWCS Communities to calculate and search one ormore CWCS Communities, or specified part(s) thereof, to find one or morepotential matches for a new collaborative work that is being proposed bya member. In some embodiments, the search algorithm is based on WorkingProfile Preferences, Personal Profile information, and legacy PortfolioData, (e.g., past composer and collaborative efforts, used music styles,legal agreements, etc.). In some preferred embodiments, theCollaborative Matching search is not limited to searching data stored inthe CWCS and/or the CWCS Community(ies) (or part(s) thereof) only. Insome embodiments, such Collaborative Matching search uses dataaccessible from one or more databases not including those used by theCWCS or a CWCS Community such as, for example, database(s) accessiblevia the World Wide Web.

In some embodiments, the Working Profile Preferences include, but arenot limited to: time limit to collaboration/collaboration duration, therequirement to using an Online Studio provided by CWCS, the right to usea personal Offline Studio, use of one or more CWCS Software Plug-ins,selection of the type of studio to be used (audio, video, graphic,literary, coding, photo, etc.), ownership rights in and to the newCollaborative Work(s), royalty distribution and/or other financialoffers and/or arrangements for exploitation of the resultingCollaborative Work(s) designated assigned by the Content Controller fornew collaboration, making the Collaborative Work project subject toCrowd Funding financing in whole or in part through, determining whichusers have archive access to the Working Profile, setup of an escrowaccount and accounting engine, member-specific filtering for terms,creating a new working profile from a old Working Profile, etc.

In some embodiments, the Working Profile Preferences also includes or isassociated or linked with a negotiation engine that enables two or moreusers to negotiate the details associated with the working profilepreferences. In some embodiments, the negotiation engine provides thefunctionality through one or more user interfaces.

In some preferred embodiments, the CWCS Operator (a CWCS administratinguser) provides to the Content Controller the ability to set, via a userinterface to the CWCS, the collaboration rights parameters pertaining toone or more Source Works. In some embodiments, the operator interfaceswith the CWCS through a user device 12 or a CWCS server 10.

For example, in some preferred embodiments in which the Source Work is amusical piece, the Content Controller sets collaboration criteriaregarding the Source Work to allow Invitee to only add, for example, aguitar part to the Source Work to produce a Collaboration Work. In somepreferred embodiments, the CWCS Operator provides to the ContentController the ability to set, via a user interface to CWCS, one or moreremuneration offers and/or other rights limitations regarding creativecontribution(s) to produce a Collaboration Work. For example, theContent Controller could provide through CWCS an offer to Invitees anoffer to share revenue generated from the exploitation of the resultingCollaboration Work. For instance, the Content Controller could offer arevenue share of 10% of the monies received by the Content Controller.In other preferred embodiments, the Content Controller could beconfigured to provide revenue-sharing requirements based on the type ofexploitation of resulting Collaborative Works, location of exploitation,duration of exploitation, etc. For example, the Content Controller couldoffer an Invitee revenue sharing resulting from publishing proceedsonly.

Some preferred embodiments enable collaborative contributors, includingwithout limitation, the providers of the Source Works, parties creatingderivative works of the Source Works, and parties creating subsequentderivative works thereof, to link back to the Master Profile whereincollaboration requirements and limitations, and exploitation andremuneration details, are accessible, in whole or in part as desired bythe Content Controller and/or the CWCS Operator. In some embodiments inwhich the CWCS File is accessible via the Internet or another wide areacomputer network, this link back to the Master Profile is through theCWCS File that automatically updates file information with the MasterProfile.

Various embodiments, therefore, provide useful content-centric systemsand methods for Content Controllers to initiate, incentivize, nurture,and control collaborative efforts regarding Source Works andCollaboration Works. Various embodiments also provide the ContentController, potential collaborators, and collaborator-users of the CWCSwith a fast and efficient means of determining, inter alia, one or moreof the following: (i) the criteria for collaboration set by the owner ofsource content, (ii) the rights associated with the source content,(iii) what the resulting rights profile for content created through thecollaboration process will be, (iv) what documents, such as assignmentor licensing documents will need to be executed by authorizedcontributors, (v) the means of exploitation of resulting collaborationsthat will be authorized by the owner of the source content, (vi) offeredremuneration to authorized collaborators; and (vii) other financialinformation and related documents associated with the content or subjectproject, including without limitation, crowd financing agreements andrelated information, such as current status of crowd source capitalraises pertaining to the Collaborative Work.

According to various embodiments, “Member Details” include personalinformation and/or biographical data pertaining to Members. The MembersDetails, according to some embodiments, also include informationpertaining to status and ranking of creative works. The Members Details,in some embodiments, include agreements between the member and the CWCSand/or between Members. In some embodiments, Member Details can beaccessed in the subject Member's page. Member Details, according to someembodiments, are stored by a CWCS in a non-transitory memory 24.

In some preferred embodiments, CWCS provides Members control, via a CWCSinterface, which Member Details are accessible via the subject Member'spage. In some embodiments, Members can control which of the Member'sMember Details are accessible in the CWCS Files associated with aMember.

According to various embodiments, members are grouped into Groups.According to various embodiments, a “Group” is two or more persons,entities, groups, computers, machines, artificial intelligence devices,or any combination of the foregoing that come together to work as asingle unit in the CWCS. In some embodiments, a Group belongs to theCWCS community. In various embodiments, a Group need not have anyendeavor pertaining to a collaborative effort in order to form. In someembodiments, Groups form to aggregate expertise or capital.

In some embodiments, Groups are governed by formal agreements that arecreated by the Group Profile Preferences and signed by each groupmember. In various embodiments, Group membership, responsibilities,capital donations, contracts and documentation are attached to the GroupProfile. In some embodiments, Group ownership and control is dynamic andis controlled by the Group Profile Preferences. In some embodiments,Groups can be controlled by an individual, by a councilor by equallyweighted voting.

According to some embodiments, a “Group Profile” is the combination ofall information in the Group Details and the Group Portfolio. In someembodiments, all Group membership, responsibilities, capital donations,contracts and documentation are attached to the Group Profile.

In some embodiments, “Group Details” include personal information and/orbiographical data pertaining to the Group. In some embodiments, GroupDetails includes information pertaining to status and ranking ofcreative works. According to some embodiments, the CWCS provides usersaccess to Group Details via a CWCS interface.

In some embodiments, Group Details include agreements between a Groupand the CWCS. In some embodiments, Group Details include all agreementsbetween the Group and group members. In some embodiments, Group Detailscan be accessed in the subject Group's Profile page. In some preferredembodiments, Groups can control which Group Details are accessible viathe Groups Profile page. In some preferred embodiments, Groups cancontrol which Group Details are accessible in the CWCS Files associatedwith Group collaborations/creative works. In some embodiments, GroupDetails include legacy information, such as past collaborations, etc. Insome embodiments, Group Details include group accounting informationsuch as capital assets, investments, dividend payments, etc.

In some embodiments, Group Profile Preferences are preferences that setstandards, rules, by-laws or any other functions that define or limitthe functions of a specific Group when it operates within the CWCS. Insome embodiments, Group Profile Preferences set rules of engagement,interaction, and participation regarding collaborative works associatedwith the Group. In some embodiments, Group Profile Preferences are notlimited to, but include: how many members are allowed in a Group, whatweight in decision making does each member of the Group hold, will thegroup have a single leader, will all Group members have the same votingprivileges, will all Group member's votes hold the same weight, if aGroup is led by a chief and if the chief is voted in by a council ofmembers, if royalties/dividends are paid in equal amounts to each Groupmember, if royalties/dividends are paid in amounts determined by theweight of the Group members position in the Group and who in the Groupis responsible for looking for creative works to collaborate on, whatinformation a Group member can display on their personal member profileor portfolio about the Group, rules and guidelines based on investments(e.g. how much a member can invest in a group or how much a Group caninvest in a creative work.), etc. In some embodiments, the Group ProfilePreferences is associated with a negotiation application that providesan interface enabling two or more Group members to negotiate the detailsassociated with the group profile preferences.

In some embodiments, a “Group Portfolio” is a Group page that includes alist of all the Source Works, such as songs or a software work, forexample, that have been uploaded by the Group. In some preferredembodiments, recordings of Source Works can be accessed in the GroupsPortfolio. In some preferred embodiments, a Groups Portfolio includes alist of (and in some preferred embodiments, access to) CollaborativeWorks (such as collaboration songs) that a Group has Collaborated on.

In some preferred embodiments, Content Controllers and other Creatorscan update legal documents attached to their incarnations of thecreative works in, or associated with, the CWCS. In some embodiments,the CWCS is used to market, effectuate and/or facilitate, CrowdFinancing or other means of crowd source capital raising effortsregarding Collaborative Works (such as for a music artist's musicproject, for a motion picture project, for creation of software for acommercial product, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more capitalraising efforts (such as by means of Crowd Funding) are themselves, orotherwise include, one or more Collaborative Works. In some embodiments,the Content Controller makes available for one or more collaborativeefforts through the CWCS the ability for CWCS members, other Users,and/or broader CWCS community members, such as visitors, the ability toinvest in a project that will exploit one or more Collaborative Works,such as Creative Works.

For instance, according to one embodiment, the CWCS is used to provide acollaborative mechanism to create the Creative Works for a CD project.The CWCS provides the collaborative mechanism to raise the capitalrequired to promote sales of CDs including the Creative Works createdvia the collaboration functionality of the CWCS.

“Crowd Financing” shall be construed broadly to include all lawfulmethods of crowd financing, including without limitation, the methodsused by Kickstarter™, Indigogo, and the methods that would be subject tothe Entrepreneur Access To Capital Act (HR2930).

In some embodiments, the CWCS is used to effectuate the creation of aCollaboration Work by a plurality of persons, entities, computers and/orother devices (“Collaborators”) that are remote from one another andconnected via the Internet and/or one or more other computer networks.In some embodiments, such collaboration takes place if one or moreCollaborators are in the same or materially the same physical location.In some embodiments, such collaborative efforts, i.e., in which one ormore Collaborators are in material physical proximity to one another,such as in the same room, are effectuated through the use of Blue Tooth®and/or other near-field communication techniques.

For example, in some embodiments, the functionality of the CWCS, and/orparts thereof, can be provided to users who are musicians composing (or“jamming”) an improvised musical work. In some embodiments, at least twoof the musicians are at locations near each other, such as in the sameroom. According to some embodiments, the CWCS is configured tocommunicate with a musical device. For example, in some embodiments, theCWCS may receive a first live musical work from a first musical devicesand a second live musical work form a second musical device, such thatthe two musical devices are in close proximity with each other. In someembodiments, problems of latency associated with the coordination of themusicians' playing with one another can be effectively addressed. Also,in this example, issues involving ownership of the resulting work,rights regarding exploitation, further modification and/or derivativework generation, etc., can be addressed prior to, or substantially at,the time the piece is created through the use of the CWCS. This providesmuch greater rights and exploitation certainty and control to themusicians and/or composers involved than is currently available in suchsituations. Continuing with the foregoing example, in some embodiments,the musicians' instruments can be configured with digital communicationmeans to directly link to and/or communicate with CWCS. The use of theCWCS in association with Blue Tooth® and/or other near-fieldcommunication by one or more Collaborators shall be understood to applyto collaboration regarding all types of Collaborative Works contemplatedby this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the CWCS enables persons, such as amateurs orlesser experienced artists, musicians, authors, actors, producers,script writers, programmers, etc., to become Collaborators with otherpersons who are famous, more well-known, more experienced, etc., thanthey. In some embodiments, the more experienced or well-known users canset and/or charge a fee for other Users to collaborate with them tocreate one or more Collaborative Works. Some of the embodiments of theCWCS enable such users to effectuate transactions regardingCollaborative Works so that such lesser experienced or lesser knownartists, etc., can benefit from an association with such greaterexperienced or better known artists, etc., and vice versa.

Example 1

An example according to one embodiment in which the Creative Work is asong is described. A CWCS User 1 uses the CWCS to make available toother users of the CWCS a song fragment, and a digital recordingthereof, for collaboration to produce a new work (Collaborative Work #1)that will result from the collaborative efforts of CWCS User 1 and oneor a plurality of other CWCS users. User 1 provides to the CWCS arecording of the song fragment (Source Work) and the terms ofcollaboration and use thereof by potential collaborators using the CWCS.CWCS User 2 through the use of the CWCS, subsequently responds to User1's invitation for collaboration. User 1 and User 2 are provided one ormore documents digitally, by the CWCS setting forth their agreementregarding the terms and conditions associated with the collaboration. Inthis example, according to some embodiments, the terms and conditionsare (i) that User 2 can only download the sound recording of the SourceWork to effectuate the collaboration, (ii) that the type ofcollaboration sought is the completion of the song, and (iii) that User2 will be paid 50% of monies earned from the exploitation ofCollaborative Work #1 if User 1 exploits the work. Next, User 2downloads a CWCS File sound recording of the song fragment that wasprovided to the CWCS by User 1 and made available to User 2 throughauthorized access to the Master Profile for the Source Work. User 2writes two new verses and a bridge for the song, completing it. User 2then makes a sound recording of the completed song collaboration in User2's Offline Studio. User 2's sound recording is rendered, and promptedto by the CWCS Software Plug-in that the new incarnation of the soundrecording will be updated with the Master Profile. Then, the CWCSSoftware Plug-in updates and uploads the modified Source Work, which nowincludes Collaborative Work #1, to the Master Profile for the SourceWork, for evaluation and possible approval by User 1. User 1 nextevaluates Collaborative Work #1 and accepts it. Notification of User 1'sacceptance is provided to User 2 through the CWCS. User 1 then exploitsCollaborative Work #1 via ‘licensing the work for use in a series oftelevision commercials whereby the licensing agreement with the licenseeand royalty payments resulting therefrom are reported to the CWCS andmade available to User 2 through authorized access to User 1's MasterProfile where such data has been aggregated. User 1, through prioragreement with the Operator of the CWCS, has also engaged an optionavailable via the CWCS to allow the Operator to collect royalty paymentsfrom the aforementioned licensee resulting from the licensedexploitation of the Collaborative Work #1. The CWCS collects the feesand pays to User 1 and User 2 their respective share of the licensingfee as set forth in the aforementioned agreement executed by User 1 andUser 2. All accounting regarding the aforementioned transactions isprovided to User 1, User 2, and the Operator through accounting featuresof the CWCS and are attached to the Master Profile of the Source Workand the associated Collaborative Work #1.

User 1 next uses the Collaborative Work #1 as the Source Work foranother round of collaboration in which User 1 has made the workavailable to CWCS users to add a vocal track to produce CollaborativeWork #2.

After both Collaborative Work #1 and Collaborative Work #2 arecompleted, User #1 is next interested in finding, and entering into anagreement with, other CWCS Users to fund a marketing project directed tofund an effort to find additional licensees for Collaborative, Work #1and Collaborative Work #2.

In some embodiments, the CWCS incorporates, is linked to, or isotherwise is associated with one or more online Crowd Funding portals,Crowd Funding computer applications, and/or Crowd Funding transactionengines, etc. In some embodiments, and for example continuing with thecurrent example, User 1 could configure the collaboration project in theCWCS to include one or more options for the solicitation of investmentcapital; the solicitation of money donations or gifts, the pre-sale of aproduct, or the linked sale or a product or service, to generate fundsto further develop, market or otherwise exploit the resultantCollaborative Work. For example, the CWCS, in some embodiments,includes, or is linked or associated with, one or more Crowd Fundingfunctionalities of the type, or similar to, that used in associationwith the business known as Kickstarter (see www.kickstarter.com) or thebusiness known as IndiGoGo. In some embodiments, the CWCS includesfunctionality to provide one or more Crowd Funding options to anOperator (and/or Users) that are compliant with the regulations setforth by, and in association with, the Entrepreneur Access To CapitalAct (HR2930).

Example 2

An example according to one embodiment in which the Creative Work is acomic book text is described. A person who is a creator of a comic booktext wishes to collaborate and/or share his text with others and find anartist to illustrate his text. This individual goes online to the CWCSand signs up to become a member of the CWCS. This new CWCS member, User3, uploads the comic book text he has created with all appropriatedocumentation and sets up the Master Profile Preferences for this text.The comic book text and documentation is attached to a new MasterProfile that is created for the Creative Work/Text. In User 3'sPortfolio, the Master Profile that was created for the comic book textis mirrored.

User 3 begins to search the CWCS community to find others who he is ableto collaborate with and create new stories/renditions of his comic bookand find a graphic artist to illustrate the comic book. After searchingthe community, User 3 finds another CWCS Member, User 4, who is anartist that has uploaded images of her oil paintings. User 3 likes theartistic work User 4 has done, so User 3 sends a message to User 4inviting her to work with him on graphics to correspond with his comicbook text. After receiving the message, User 4 reviews the Comic BookText and contacts another member, User 5, whom she believes may also beinterested in helping User 3 create graphic images for the Comic BookText. User 5 informs her (User 4) that User 5 is interested in helping.The artist, User 4, sends a message to the comic book writer, User 3,accepting the invitation and also suggesting that artist User 5 workwith them as well.

After hearing about the second artist, User 5, writer User 3 accessesUser 5's portfolio using the CWCS interface and views his uploadedgraphic art. Liking the work User 5 has done, writer User 3 sends aninvitation to artist User 5 to help both himself and artist User 4 workon new graphic images for his comic book text. User 5 accepts theinvitation and writer User 3 begins the process of opening a WorkingProfile by setting the Working Profile Preferences for the newcollaborative effort that Users 3, 4, and 5 will be working on together.

After setting the Working Profile Preferences, artist Users 4 and 5review the Working Profile Preferences. Artist Users 4 and 5 next desireto have the licensing rights percentage to the new collaborative imageschanged, so they contact User 3 and negotiate new rights using theWorking Profile Preferences until they have all agreed on the licensingrights percentage. Once all the Working Profile Preferences are agreedupon, User 3 locks the Working Profile preferences and the CWCSgenerates an agreement based on the Working Profile Preferences. Users3, 4, and 5, through the CWCS, agree on terms of collaboration andelectronically sign the appropriate documentation, which is subsequentlyattached to the Master Profile.

Once all documents for collaboration are complete, the CWCS creates agraphic image Working Profile for Users 3, 4, and 5. After sharing ideasand crude sketches that have been scanned and uploaded into the WorkingProfile, Users 3, 4, and 5 come to a consensus about what the newcollaboration graphic images should look like. User 4, using the onlinestudio in the Working Profile begins the process of colorizing andfinalizing the details of half the graphic images for the comic book. Atthe same time, User 5, working in an Offline Studio, begins the processof colorizing and finalizing the other half of the graphic images forthe comic book. Once User 5 has finished with his images, he uses theCWCS Software Plug-in to convert the image files and import them intothe Working Profile. After reviewing all the work of User 4 and User 5,writer User 3 combines the images and comic book text into a new,completed comic book in the Working Profile Online Studio. Users 4 and 5review the final version and all three agree that the work is complete.User 3 locks the working profile and saves the new comic book as aCollaboration and part of the original Master Profile. This new comicbook Collaboration/Creative Work then becomes part of the Master Profileand is mirrored in User 3's, User 4's, and User 5's Portfolios.

At this point, writer User 3 elects to sell/distribute Comic BookCollaboration/Creative work to a book publisher, so he attaches pricinginformation, royalty information, and documentation for the comic bookCollaboration/Creative Work to the Master Profile. The book publisher isdirected by writer User 3 to view the comic book Collaboration throughthe CWCS interface.

After reviewing the comic book the book, publisher agrees to purchasethe comic. Through the Comic Book Collaboration Master Profile thepublisher obtains all appropriate documentation and rights fordistribution of royalties to User 3, 4 and 5. The book publisher thendeposits appropriate payment in the Comic Book Collaboration MasterProfile. The CWCS then accepts the fees and royalties and distributesthem back to User 3, 4, and 5. Documentation from the beginning of theprocess through purchase of the comic by a publisher has been recordedthroughout the process by the CWCS and is attached to the MasterProfile, and becomes part of the CWCS File.

In some preferred embodiments, in which a Crowd Funding option has beenincluded in the Master Profile, one or more of the Users authorized toengage the Crowd Funding feature could do so in order to raise funds tofurther develop, market and/or exploit the Collaborative Work. Forexample, using the preceding example, User 3 could make his comic bookproject subject to a Crowd Funding round of investment by specifying theproject as such in Master Profile and engaging a Crowd Funding engine inthe CWCS to effectuate the communication of one or more Crowd Fundingopportunities with respect to the Comic Book project to members of oneor more CWCS Communities. In some embodiments, the CWCS will only allowa Crowd Funding functionality to be triggered regarding a CollaborativeWork if all or a specified subset of Collaborators also agree to suchtriggering of one or more CWCS Crowd Funding engines and/or such fundingmeans, etc.

Example 3

An example according to one embodiment in which the Creative Work is acircuit board is described. An aircraft company, John Doe Air, hascreated a computer that is configured with artificial intelligencefunctionality, “AI-1.” John Doe Air has been designed and programmed tocreate new avionic circuit boards. AI-1, while attempting to create anew circuit design, has come to a road block and cannot resolve severalissues that would allow the new circuit design to work. AI-1 requestsfrom its owner, John Doe Air, to be allowed access to the CWCS toattempt to find another individual to collaborate with about the circuitdesign and resolve the road blocks. John Doe Air signs up with CWCS as anew member. John Doe Air uses the CWCS Software Plug-in to help AI-1interface/communicate with the CWCS and set specific preferences forAI-1 to operate in the CWCS.

The preferences set for AI-1 by John Doe Air allow it to set thefollowing preferences: (i) collaboration only with members who are fromspecific countries: USA, United Kingdom, and Canada; (ii) collaborateonly with members who will sign a non-discloser agreement; (iii)collaborate only with members who agree to be paid one time aswork-for-hire, based on a dollar amount per percentage of contrition tomaking a functional circuit board; (iv) collaborate only with memberswhose personal profiles indicate they have the criteria and educationalrequirements to work on the circuit board; (v) enact securitypreferences and firewalls that meet the requirements of John Doe Air.

Once the preferences are set, AI-1 uploads the circuit board design,creating a new Master Profile. AI-1 makes the profile Unreleased so thatit is not visible to the CWCS Community. Then, AI-1 begins searching theCWCS community to find a member who meets the requirements set in theCWCS Software Plug-in preferences. After two days of searching, AI-1finds a member who meets the criteria desires to work with “Member 920.”AI-1 sends an invitation to Member 920, asking if Member 920 would liketo work on this project under the parameters set by John Doe Air. Member920 happens to also be a computer that has artificial intelligence.Member 920 happens to belong to a Canadian University Computer Lab andwas given membership to the CWCS by the University. Member 920's CWCSSoftware Plug-in preferences allow it to work with any Member under anyconditions. Because of this, Member 920 accepts the invitation to workwith AI-1. AI-1 sets the preferences for a Working Profile and requeststhat Member 920 tighten its security options for this collaboration.Member 920 informs AI-1 that it must obtain permission to make suchchanges. Member 920 then asks the University if it can change itssecurity parameters for this project. The University agrees to allowMember 920 to change its security parameters for a two-week period,only. Member 920 contacts AI-1 informing it that it only have a two-weekwindow to work on the project under these parameters. AI-1 agrees to theworking profile preference change and the CWCS creates an onlineagreement. The agreement is executed on behalf of John Doe Air and theCanadian University by both AI-1 and Member 920. Once the agreement isexecuted, a circuit board design Working Profile is created for this newcircuit board/Collaboration. Both AI-1 and Member 920 have agreed towork within the Online Studio and they begin the process of makingchanges to the original design and collaborating back and forth for oneweek.

Before the design is complete, both AI-1 and Member 920 realize thatthey will need another collaborator who has experience and knowledgewith hydraulics and hydraulic systems. AI-1 requests permission fromJohn Doe Air to add an additional collaborator to the collaboration.John Doe Air updates the CWCS Software Plug-in preferences to allow anadditional collaborator. AI-1 and Member 920 search the CWSC communityand find several members who are then sent invitations to work with themon the circuit board design under the current Working ProfilePreferences. Only one of the members (Member 1545) agrees to work withAI-1 and Member 920. Member 1545 is a human and not a computer. AI-1resets the Working Profile Preferences to include all three members, andthe CWCS generates a new agreement for Member 1545 and amendedagreements for AI-1 and Member 920. All three agreements are thendigitally signed and executed.

The Working Profile that AI-1 and Member 920 have been working on isopened to Member 1545. After communicating back and forth and reviewingthe functions of the circuit board, Member 1545 gives suggestions forchanges to the circuit so that it will function properly with hydraulicsystems. AI-1 and Member 920 both agree that the new changes will workand the Circuit Board/Collaboration is finalized and completed. The newCircuit Board/Collaboration is added to the Master Profile and ismirrored in John Doe Air Member 920 and Member 1545's Portfolios. Due toMaster Profile Preferences, Working Profile Preferences and theAgreements signed by all parties, only limited aspects of thecollaboration are shown in the Master Profile and the mirrored MasterProfiles as well as the final collaboration is marked unreleased and isunavailable to the CWCS Community.

The CWCS sends an invoice based on the agreements to Joe Doe Air for themoneys owed to Member 920 and Member 1545. John Doe Air deposits moniesin the Master Profile account and the CWCS in turn distributes theappropriate shares of money earned to Member 920 and Member 1545.

In some embodiments, the CWCS provides the means to screen potentialcollaborators for appropriateness regarding their physical location,nationality, security clearance status, etc., through links to otherdatabases and the use of other functionality (such as the use of GPSlocation means) which are well-known by persons of ordinary skill in theart.

Example 4

An example according to one embodiment in which the Creative Work is asandal design and the Collaboration is for funding is described. Amember, “Member 634,” of the CWCS Community has made a new design ofbeach sandal for which he desires to find financing, manufacturing,importing, order fulfillment, website creation, and marketing services.

Member 634/Content Controller uploads pictures, designs, and otherspecifics for his design to the CWCS and a new Creative Works MasterProfile is created. In addition, Member 634 opens a new Working ProfilePreferences for a new collaboration and sets up a business plan throughthe Working Profile Preferences. These Preferences includes that Member634 wants 80% of profits, he wants to remain the Content Controller andhe wants a $1,000 a month draw agents earnings. In exchange for 20% ofthe equity, Member 634 wants a $100,000 equity investment.

Member 634, in attempting to find financing, create his website andmarket his sandals, uses the Collaborative Matching search engine tofind possible Members/Groups in the CWCS Community to collaborate withhim. He begins his search by using the CWCS to look for CWCS Groups orCWCS individual Members who have indicated that they are interested infinancing ventures and start-up companies. Member 634 finds severalGroups that specify they are looking for investment opportunities.Member 634 sends invitations to each Group seeking a collaborativeeffort with his sandal design that will allow him to manufacture, builda website and market the product. Four perspective collaborators respondto Member 634's invitation. After reviewing the groups in more detail,Member 634 finds that Group 240 was formed by ten members with acombination of capital of $100,000 and has expertise in apparel. Member634/Content Controller decides he wants to work with Group 240 andinforms Group 240.

Group 240 studies and reviews the Working Profile Preferences set forthe Collaboration and proposes changes be made, using the WorkingProfile Preferences Negotiation Engine. These changes include a timelimit set to find a website designer and build the site, 50% of profits,to be the Content Controller for the Sandal design, to specify who willmanufacture the sandals and all accounting receivable and payable anddividends scheduled for payment to be processed through the Group 240Profile. For this, they will give a $100,000 equity investment. Afterreviewing the changes desired by Group 240, Member 634 replies throughthe Negotiation Engine with his revised terms. Member 634 accepts thetime limit set to find a website designer and build the site, accepts50% of profits, accepts Group 240 becoming the Content Controller forthe sandal design, accepts Group 240 specifying who will manufacture thesandals and accepts all accounting receivable and payable and dividendsscheduled for payment to be processed through the Group 240 Profile, andhe accepts the $100,000 equity investment. However, Member 634 requeststo increase his monthly draw to $1,500, requests that all purchases andpayments be digitally signed off on by both Group 240 and Member 634through the accounting engine, and requests a guaranteed price point of$10 per pair of sandals on the sandal manufacture and delivery.

Group 240 accepts his revised terms and an agreement is generated by theCWCS and provided to both parties online to sign. Both Member 634 andGroup 240 sign the agreement, which is stored in a “Collaboration Sandal1” Profile and a Working Profile for “Collaboration Sandal 1” is opened.Group 240 deposits $100,000 into the escrow account of the workingprofile accounting engine for “Collaboration Sandal 1”.

Meanwhile, Member 634 searches the CWCS Community with the CollaborativeMatching Search Engine and finds a web designer, “Member 22,” that hethinks is perfect for the job of building the web store. Member 634,through the Working Profile for “Collaboration Sandals 1,” contactsGroup 240 and suggests that they hire Member 22 to build the web storeand requests that they open a new collaboration, “Collaboration Sandals2,” and a Working Profile, “Collaboration Sandal 2,” so he can work withMember 22 on building the site for the sandal design. Group 240 likeshis suggestion and, being the new Content Controller, opens WorkingProfile Preferences for a second collaboration “Collaboration Sandal 2”that is exclusively for building the web store for the sandals.

As part of the Working Profile Preferences “Collaboration Sandal 2,”Group 240 states that they will only pay $5,000 to have the site builtwith 20% paid at the signing of the agreements, that the store must bebuilt within thirty days of the signed agreement, and that Member 634must oversee the construction, marketing, design, and functionality ofthe web store. Group 240 sends an invitation to Members 22 and 634 toreview each of their specific portions of the Working ProfilePreferences for “Collaboration Sandal 2”.

Member 634 accepts the Working Profile Preferences for “CollaborationSandal 2” that he oversees the construction, marketing, design, andfunctionality of the web store. However, Member 22 opens the WorkingProfile Preferences Negotiation Engine for “Collaboration Sandal 2” andreplies that instead he would like 5% of the Content Controller/Group240's profits, he wants 45 days to build the site, and for this he willspend ten hours a month managing and upgrading the site for ten years.

Group 240 accepts the changes to Member 22's specific portion of theWorking Profile Preferences for “Collaboration Sandal 2”. The CWCS thengenerates two unique agreements based on the Working Profile Preferencesfor “Collaboration Sandal 2” for (Group 240 and Member 634) and (Group240 and Member 22). Once all agreements are executed digitally, the CWCSopens a new Working Profile web design Studio for “Collaboration Sandal2”.

Group 240 contacts their apparel manufacturer, outside the CWCS,regarding the sandal manufacturing. To make the price point at $10 perpair of sandals, the manufacturer demands that 8,000 pairs be ordered,equaling $80,000. Group 240 agrees on the price and makes a paperagreement outside the CWCS with the manufacturer. Group 240 scans andattaches the manufacturing agreement to the Working Profile“Collaboration Sandals 1” for Member 634 to review and sign as well asGroup 240 signing. The Working Profile for “Collaboration Sandals 1”digitally transmits the signed/executed copy of the agreement to themanufacturer. The Manufacturer then prints, signs, and mails via postthe signed/executed agreement back to Group 240. Group 240 scans thefinal agreement that has been executed by all parties and puts it intoWorking Profile “Collaboration Sandal 1”. Group 240 and Member 634 theneach digitally confirm an account transfer from Working Profile“Collaboration Sandals 1” for $80,000 to the manufacture.

During a 45-day period, Member 22 has completed the web store and Member634 has approved functionality and design of the store. The web storehas been set up so that all funds from purchases are automaticallydeposited into the Master Profile, which is then transferred to Group240's Profile for distribution. At that point, Member 634 and Member 22would like to close the working profile for “Collaboration Sandal 2”.After Group 240 reviews the site, they make the “Collaboration Sandal 2”locked and closed.

Group 240 and Member 634 open the web store and begin marketing thesandals to the general public. Both Group 240 and Member 634 agree toleave Working Profile “Collaboration Sandals 1” open due to futuretransactions, purchases and development.

An example according to one embodiment in which the Content Controlleris an Inviter is described and illustrated in FIG. 5. With reference toFIG. 5, a method of tracking collaboration according to some embodimentsin which the Content Controller is an Inviter is implemented by acomputer system (see FIG. 2) according to a process depicted in FIG. 5.A processor 22 executes instructions that instruct information to besaved to a storage medium 24 (see FIG. 2). In this example, the Invitercontrols the option for Open or Closed Collaboration for the creativework the collaborators create.

Referring to FIG. 5, the “Content Controller” is the one who created thecreative work that was uploaded into the Profile, via the CWCS. In step501, the Content Controller searches the CWCS community, via a CWCSinterface, to find someone to collaborate with. After finding someone tocollaborate with, in step 502, the Content Controller sends aninvitation, via a CWCS interface, to a Member asking if the Member wouldlike to work together with the Content Controller to create a newincarnation of the original creative work and become a ContentParticipant.

In some preferred embodiments, the decision to allow collaborationbelongs to the Inviter (step 506). In this case, the ContentController/Invitee invites the Content Participant (step 507) via a CWCSinterface. The Content Controller/Invitee makes the decision for the newCollaborated Work to be Open to Collaboration (step 508) or Closed toCollaboration (step 509). Finally, a new Collaborated Work is createdthrough collaboration through the CWCS (step 510).

Alternatively, in step 503, the Content Participant (i.e., an Invitee)receives an invitation, from the Content Controller, through the CWCS,to collaborate. If the Content Participant (i.e., Invitee) accepts theinvitation to collaborate with the Content Controller (in step 504), aWorking Profile is created with specific collaboration preferences beingset (step 505). In the Working Profile, the Content Controller andContent Participant share ideas to create a new incarnation of theoriginal creative work. Finally, in step 510, a new incarnation of aCollaborated Work is created through collaboration.

An example according to one embodiment in which the Member is an Inviteris described and illustrated in FIG. 6. With reference to FIG. 6, amethod of tracking collaboration according to some embodiments in whichthe Member is an Inviter is implemented by a computer system (see FIG.2) according to a process depicted in FIG. 6. A processor 22 executesinstructions that instruct information to be saved to a storage medium24 (see FIG. 2).

In step 601 of FIG. 6, a Member searches the CWCS community, via a CWCSinterface, to find a creative work the Member would like to collaborateon. After the Member finds someone to collaborate with (or a workavailable to collaborate on), in step 602, the Member sends aninvitation to the Content Controller, via a CWCS interface, to inquirewhether the Content Controller is interested in collaborating with theMember to create a derivative work or other new incarnation of theoriginal creative work (the original work being, e.g., a Source Work orCollaboration Work previously created from a Source Work).

If the Member decides to create a new Creative Work instead ofcollaborating on an existing work (step 606), the Content Participant isthe Inviter (in step 607). The Member is the Inviter and makes thedecision for the new Collaborated Work to be Open to Collaboration (step608) or Closed to Collaboration (step 609). Finally, the new work iscreated through collaboration through the CWCS (step 610).

If, instead, the Member decides to collaborate on an existing work, aContent Controller receives the invitation to collaborate from theMember (step 602). If the Member wishes to collaborate on a newincarnation of an existing work, the Member invites the ContentController to allow the Member to become a Content Participant (see step603). If the Content Controller accepts the invitation to collaboratewith the Member, in step 604, the Member becomes a Content Participant.In step 605, a Working Profile is created with specific collaborationpreferences being set. In the Working Profile, the Content Controllerand Content Participant share ideas to create a new incarnation of theoriginal creative work (Source Work or Collaboration Work). Finally, thenew incarnation of the work is created through collaboration through theCWCS (step 610).

The following is an example according to one embodiment involving aworking profile is described and illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. Withreference to FIGS. 7-9, a method of tracking collaboration according tosome embodiments in which the Member is an Inviter is implemented by acomputer system (see FIG. 2) according to a process depicted in FIGS.7-9. A processor 22 executes instructions that instruct information tobe saved to a storage medium 24 (see FIG. 2).

In step 700 of FIG. 7, the CWCS generates a Collaborative Agreementbased on Working Profile Preferences. In some embodiments, thesePreferences include whether to include a time limit to collaborate, acollaboration duration, whether to use the Online Studio, whether to usethe Offline Studio, using the CWCS Software Plug-in, what type of studioused (video audio, graphic, literary, coding, photo, etc.), ownershipdetails of a new collaboration, for exploitation of the resultingCollaborative Work(s) including all accounting information such asbilling and receivables, crowd sourcing accounting, Crowd Fundingoptions and accounting, being assigned a content controller for newcollaboration, qualifications for a collaborator, Qualification Rating,location restrictions, regulatory restrictions (e.g., required permits,licenses, governmental clearances, etc.), who has archive access to theworking profile, creating a new working profile from a old workingprofile, setting restrictions on what a Master Profile can displayand/or mirror, etc. A Content Controller sets the Working ProfilePreferences about a collaborative effort.

The Content Controller determines whether to agree to a collaborativeeffort with a Member and makes the Member a Content Participant. TheMember determines whether to agree to the collaborative effort with theContent Controller.

In some preferred embodiments, in step 704, the Content Controller setsthe Working Profile preferences before inviting someone to Collaborate.In some preferred embodiments, the Working Profile preferences can beset after inviting someone to Collaborate. In some preferredembodiments, the Content Controller and the Content Participant (allparties involved in collaboration) can work together on setting theWorking Profile preferences.

If the Member agrees to the Working Profile Preferences (see step 705),the CWCS generates a Collaborative Agreement based on the WorkingProfile Preferences. In some embodiments, both the Content Controller(in step 701) and the new Content Participant/Member (in step 702) areable to e-sign the Collaboration Agreement. “E-sign” refers to theproviding of a digital signature, a verified or authenticated digitalsignature (e.g., the type provided by E-Original (see eoriginal.com),and the like.

Once the agreements are e-signed or otherwise agreed to, a WorkingProfile is created, in step 703. In some embodiments, the SourceWork/CWCS File is placed inside the Working Profile. Both Collaboratorshave access to the Working Profile. In some embodiments, theCollaborators can work online or offline, upload and download, and/oruse the CWCS File and/or CWCS Software Plug-in for updating of files(such as media files, session files, etc.) in real time. In someembodiments, messages can be posted manually or automatically so thatCollaborators can read each other's messages and comments. Mediafiles/tracks/renditions can be locked as completed.

Next, in regard to FIG. 8 (which is a flowchart that is a continuationof the flowchart of FIG. 7), some embodiments support manual update tothe Working Profiles, automatically updated changes to the WorkingProfile, or a combination of those.

As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the Content Controller and theContent Participant work offline (steps 800, 801, 802) and/or online. Insome embodiments, they share messages and/or upload and/or download newrenditions of the Source Work.

When the Content Controller and Content Participant agree that a draft(rendition) is finished or complete, in some embodiments, the ContentController locks the final rendition and closes the Working Profile(step 803).

Next, in regard to FIG. 9 (which is a flowchart that is a continuationof the flowchart of FIG. 8), some embodiments support adding the newCollaboration to the Master Profile. In some embodiments supportupdating with the CWCS File (step 900). Then, in some embodiments, theWorking Profile is closed. Finally, in some embodiments, the MasterProfile is mirrored and updated on the Content Controller (step 902) andContent Participant's (step 903) User Portfolios.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example according to one embodiment, and refersto effects on a Master Profile for Collaboration Choices 1 thru 9. Inthe exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, Member A uploads a Creative Workand becomes a Content Controller. The Creative Work is given a uniqueMaster Profile and CWCS File. In this example, it is Master Profile A.The Master Profile A is mirrored in the Content Controllers/Member A'sportfolio (located in Member A's Member Portfolio).

In some embodiments, a “Member's Portfolio” is a Member's page thatincludes a list of the Source Works that have been uploaded by theMember. In some preferred embodiments, recordings of Source Works can beaccessed in the Member's Portfolio. In some preferred embodiments, aMember's Portfolio can include a list of, and in some preferredembodiments, access to, Collaborative Works that a Member hasCollaborated on.

According to some embodiments, the Master Profile A is mirrored in otherCollaborators' portfolios with the Creative Work A as well as othercollaborations. In some embodiments, a stand-alone Master Profile, or amirrored Master Profile in a Member's Portfolio, display the Creativework and all renditions of that Creative Work.

In the following examples, only one Master Profile is displayed in aMembers Portfolio, but, as displayed in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, aMember's Portfolio could have multiple or unlimited number of MasterProfiles mirrored in their Member Portfolio.

Example 1

According to the exemplary embodiment of Example 1, Member A has set theMaster Profile Preferences to be “Closed to Collaboration” and“Unreleased.” With reference to FIG. 11, the Original Composer/ContentController (Member A) has made Creative Work A Closed to Collaboration.Next, in the exemplary embodiment, Creative Work A is made Unreleased.The result of these two actions makes Creative Work A visible only toMembers who are invited to view or audition it. No one is authorized tocollaborate on Creative Work A.

Referring to the diagram of FIG. 10 (and noting that in Example 1, theMaster Profile A will only include Creative Work A and none of theCollaborations listed in the diagram), choices made by the OriginalComposer/Content Controller have had no effect on Master Profile A, orthe mirror of Master Profile A in Members A's Portfolio. Note astand-alone Master Profile, or a mirrored Master Profile in a MembersPortfolio, display the Creative Work and all renditions of that CreativeWork.

Example 2

According to an exemplary embodiment of Example 2 illustrated by FIG.11, Member A has set the Master Profile Preferences to be “Closed toCollaboration” and “Released.” We show these as two distinct actions inthis example. The Original Composer/Content Controller (Member A) makesCreative Work A Closed to Collaboration. Next Creative Work A isReleased. The result of these two actions makes Creative Work A visibleto all Members in the community but no one can collaborate on CreativeWork A.

Referring again to FIG. 10 (note that in Example 2, the Master Profile Awill only include Creative Work A and none of the Collaborations listedin the diagram), choices made by the Original Composer/ContentController have had no effect on Master Profile A or the mirror ofMaster Profile A in Member A's Portfolio. Note a stand-alone MasterProfile, or a mirrored Master Profile in a Members Portfolio, displaythe Creative work and all renditions of that Creative Work.

Example 3

According to an exemplary embodiment of Example 3 illustrated by FIG.11, Member A has set the Master Profile Preferences to be “Open toCollaboration” and “Unreleased” The Original Composer/Content Controller(Member A) makes Creative Work A Open to Collaboration. Next, CreativeWork A is made Unreleased. In this example, no one is invited tocollaborate on Creative Work A. The result of these actions makesCreative Work A unavailable to anyone to collaborate on. Referring backto FIG. 10 (note that in Example 3 the Master Profile A will onlyinclude Creative Work A and none of the Collaborations listed in thediagram), the choices made by the Original Composer/Content Controllerhave had no effect on Master Profile A or the mirror of Master Profile Ain Member A's Portfolio. Note a stand-alone Master Profile, or amirrored Master Profile in a Members Portfolio, display the Creativework and all renditions of that Creative work.

Example 4

According to an exemplary embodiment of Example 4 illustrated by FIG.11, Member A has set the Master Profile Preferences to be “Open toCollaboration” and “Unreleased.” The Original Composer/ContentController (Member A) makes the Creative Work A Open Example 1: InExample 1, Member A has set the Master Profile Preferences to be “Closedto Collaboration” and “Unreleased.” The Original Composer/ContentController (Member A) has made Creative Work A Closed to Collaboration.Next Creative Work A is made Unreleased. The result of these two actionsmakes Creative Work A visible only to Members who are invited to view oraudition it. No one is authorized to collaborate on Creative Work A.Referring back to FIG. 10 (note that in Example 1 the Master Profile Awill only include Creative Work A and none of the Collaborations listedin the diagram), the choices made by the Original Composer/ContentController have had no effect on Master Profile A, or the mirror ofMaster Profile A in Members A's Portfolio. Note a stand-alone MasterProfile, or a mirrored Master Profile in a Members Portfolio, displaythe Creative work and all renditions of that Creative work.

Example 5

In Example 5, according to an exemplary embodiment of Example 5illustrated by FIG. 11, Member A has set the Master Profile Preferencesto be “Open to Collaboration” and “Unreleased.” (Note that Example 5 isvirtually identical to Example 4 with the exception of the ContentController collaborating with an individual Member as opposed to agroup.) The Original Composer/Content Controller (Member A) makesCreative Work A Open to Collaboration. Next, Creative Work A is madeUnreleased. The Original Composer/Content Controller searches thecommunity to find a Member to collaborate with. Next, the OriginalComposer/Content Controller sends an invitation to Member B to see ifMember B would like to collaborate on Creative Work A. Next, Member Baccepts the invitation to collaborate with the Original Composer/ContentController and the Content Controller sets the Working ProfilePreferences and makes “Member B” a Content Participant. As part of theWorking Profile Preferences, Member A makes Member B the ContentController for the new collaboration, Collaboration A2. Also as part ofthis same Working Profile Preferences for Collaboration A2 Member B isallowed to makes Collaboration A2 “Open to Collaboration” (Note, theresult of making Member B the Content Controller for Collaboration A2 isdisplayed in Example 8, below.) Member B/Content Participant reviews theWorking Profile Preferences. Referring now the exemplary embodimentillustrated by FIG. 12, the CWCS generates Collaboration agreements forall the members based on the Working Profile Preferences. Next, both theContent Controller and the Content Participant receive links to e-signthe Collaboration agreements. Both the Content Controller and theContent Participant review and e-sign the Collaboration agreements,which, in some preferred embodiments, is stored in the Creative WorksCollaborative System and presented to Member B/Content Participantonline. In some preferred embodiments, Member B/Content Participantexecutes the Collaboration Agreement document digitally. In somepreferred embodiments, execution of the Collaboration Agreement isauthenticated via means such as those used by e-Original (Seeeoriginal.com.) In some preferred embodiments, execution of theCollaboration Agreement is authenticated via mail or post.

Note that, at this point, two actions happen in parallel, according tosome embodiments: (i) the collaboration agreement, in this example, isattached to Creative Work A as Collaboration A2 in the Master Profile Aand (ii) a Working Profile is created for Member B/Content Participantand the Original Composer/Content Controller. Next, Member B/ContentParticipant and the Original Composer/Content Controller complete thecollaboration and a new incarnation/rendition of the Creative Work A iscreated, “Collaboration A2.” The new rendition is locked and added toMaster Profile A. Next, all collaborated projects are automatically madeReleased. Finally, Master Profile A is mirrored in all collaboratorsportfolios.

Now referring again to FIG. 10, Master Profile A includes the newCollaboration A2 as part of Master Profile A. (Note that in Example 5,the Master Profile A will include Creative Work AI Collaboration A1 andCollaboration A2 listed in the diagram.) The Original Composer/ContentController and Member B/Content Participant also show the newCollaboration A2 in Master Profile A mirrored in their Member'sPortfolio. Note a stand-alone Master Profile or a mirrored MasterProfile in a Members Portfolio, display the Creative work and allrenditions of that Creative work.

Example 6

According to an exemplary embodiment of Example 6 illustrated by FIG.11, Member A has set the Master Profile Preferences to be “Open toCollaboration” and “Released”. The Original Composer/Content Controller(Member A) makes Creative Work A Open to Collaboration. Next, CreativeWork A is Released to the Community. As a Released Creative Work, anymember in the community can request to collaborate on Creative Work A.Group 2 searches the community to find a Creative Work to collaborateon. Next, Group 2 contacts the Original Composer/Content Controllerabout collaborating on Creative Work A with them. Next, the OriginalComposer/Content Controller accepts the invitation to collaborate withGroup 2 and the Content Controller sets the Working Profile Preferencesand makes “Group 2” members Content Participants. Group 2/ContentParticipants review the Working Profile Preferences. Now referring tothe exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 12, the CWCS generatesCollaboration agreements for all the members based on the WorkingProfile Preferences. Next, both the Content Controller and the ContentParticipants receive links to e-sign the Collaboration agreements.

Both the Content Controller and the Content Participants review ande-sign the Collaboration agreements, which, in some preferredembodiments, is stored in the Creative Works Collaborative System andpresented to Group 2/Content Participants online. In some preferredembodiments, Group 2/Content Participants execute the CollaborationAgreement document digitally. In some preferred embodiments, executionof the Collaboration Agreement is authenticated via means such as thoseused by e-Original (See eoriginal.com.) In some preferred embodiments,execution of the Collaboration Agreement is authenticated via mail orpost.

Two actions happening substantially simultaneously (in some embodiments)or in parallel: (i) the collaboration agreement, in this example, isattached to Creative Work A as Collaboration A3 in the Master Profile A,and (ii) a Working Profile is created for Group 2/Content Participantsand the Original Composer/Content Controller. Next, Group 2/ContentParticipants and the Original Composer/Content Controller complete thecollaboration and a new incarnation/rendition of Creative Work A iscreated, “Collaboration A3.” The new rendition is locked and added toMaster Profile A. Next, all collaborated projects are automatically madeReleased. Finally, the Master Profile is mirrored in all collaborators'portfolios.

Now referring again to FIG. 10, Master Profile A includes the newCollaboration A3 as part of Master Profile A. (Note that in Example 6the Master Profile A will only include Creative Work A, CollaborationA1, Collaboration A2 and Collaboration A3 listed in the diagram). TheOriginal Composer/Content Controller and Group 2/Content Participantsalso show the new Collaboration A3 in the Master Profile A mirrored intheir

Note a stand-alone Master Profile, or a mirrored Master Profile in aMembers Portfolio, display the Creative Work and all renditions of thatcreative work.

Example 7

According to an exemplary embodiment of Example 7 illustrated by FIG.13, Member A had set the Working Profile Preferences for CollaborationA1 to be “Closed to Collaboration.” (Note that, Master Profile A has thethree Collaborative efforts attached to the profile.) The ContentController (Member A) for Collaboration A1 has made Collaboration A1Closed to Collaboration. Referring again to FIG. 10 (Note that inExample 7 the Master Profile A will only include Creative Work A,Collaboration A1, Collaboration A2 and Collaboration A3 listed in thediagram), there have been no changes to Master Profile A because no newcollaborations were made due to the decision of the Content Controllerto make Collaboration A1 Closed to Collaboration. Note a stand-aloneMaster Profile, or a mirrored Master Profile in a Members Portfolio,display the Creative work and all renditions of that Creative work.

Example 8

According to an exemplary embodiment of Example 6 illustrated by FIG.13, Member A had set the Working Profile Preferences for CollaborationA2 to make Member B the Content Controller for Collaboration A2 asdescribed in Example 5. Member B made Collaboration A2 “Open toCollaboration” in the Working Profile Preferences for Collaboration A2.The Content Controller/Member B makes the Collaboration A2 Open toCollaboration. Member H searches the community to find a Creative Workto collaborate on. Next, Member H contacts the Content Controller/MemberB about collaborating on Collaboration A2 with the ContentController/Member B. Next, the Content Controller accepts the invitationto collaborate with Member H and the Content Controller/Member B setsthe Working Profile Preferences and makes “Member H” a ContentParticipant. Next, Member H/Content Participant reviews the WorkingProfile Preferences. Referring now to the exemplary embodiment of FIG.14, the Creative Works Collaboration System generates Collaborationagreements for all the members based on the Working Profile Preferences.Next, both the Content Controller and the Content Participants receivelinks to e-sign the Collaboration agreements. Both the ContentController and the Content Participants review and e-sign theCollaboration agreements, which, in some preferred embodiments, isstored in the Creative Works Collaborative System and presented toMember H/Content Participant online.

In some preferred embodiments, Member H/Content Participant execute theCollaboration Agreement document digitally. In some preferredembodiments, execution of the Collaboration Agreement is authenticatedvia software, such as via software similar to that of e-Original. Insome preferred embodiments, execution of the Collaboration Agreement isauthenticated via mail or post.

At this point, in some embodiments, two actions happening substantiallysimultaneously or in parallel in some embodiments: (i) the collaborationagreement, in this example, is attached to Creative Work A asCollaboration A4 in the Master Profile A, and (ii) a Working Profile iscreated for Member H/Content Participant and the ContentController/Member B. Next, Member H/Content Participant and the ContentController/Member B complete the collaboration and a newincarnation/rendition of Collaboration A2 is created, “CollaborationA4.” The new rendition is locked and added to Master Profile A. Next,all collaborated projects are automatically made Released. Finally, theMaster Profile A is mirrored in all collaborators portfolios. (Note thatin this example the Member B/Content Controller for Collaboration A2 hasnow become the Content Controller for ‘Collaboration A4 as well.) Nowreferring again to FIG. 10, Master Profile A includes the newCollaboration A4 as part of Master Profile A. (Note that in Example’ 8the Master Profile A will only include Creative Work A, CollaborationA1, Collaboration A2, Collaboration A3 and Collaboration A4 listed inthe diagram). The Content Controller/Member B has Collaboration A4mirrored in that member's Member Portfolio. Member H/Content Participantalso shows the new Collaboration A4 in the Master Profile A mirrored inthat member's Member Portfolio. Note a stand-alone Master Profile or amirrored Master Profile in a Members Portfolio, display the Creativework and all renditions of that Creative work.

Example 9

According to an exemplary embodiment of Example 9 illustrated by FIG.13, Member A had set the Working Profile Preferences for CollaborationA3 to be “Open to Collaboration.” The Content Controller/Member A makesCollaboration A3 Open to Collaboration. Group 3 searches the communityto find a Creative Work to collaborate on. Next, Group 3 contacts theContent Controller/Member A about collaborating on Collaboration A3.Next, the Content Controller/Member A accepts the invitation tocollaborate with Group 3 and the Content Controller/Member A sets theWorking Profile Preferences and makes “Group 3” Content Participants.Now referring to FIG. 14, the CWCS generates Collaboration agreementsfor all the members based on the Working Profile Preferences. Next, boththe Content Controller and the Content Participants receive links toe-sign the Collaboration agreements.

Both the Content Controller and the Content Participants review ande-sign the Collaboration agreements, which, in some preferredembodiments, is stored in the CWCS and presented to Group 3/ContentParticipants online. In some preferred embodiments, Group 3/ContentParticipants execute the Collaboration Agreement document digitally. Insome preferred embodiments, execution of the Collaboration Agreement isauthenticated via means such as those used by e-Original (Seeeoriginal.com.) In some preferred embodiments, execution of theCollaboration Agreement is authenticated via mail or post.

In some embodiments, two actions happen substantially simultaneously orin parallel: (i) the collaboration agreement, in this example, isattached to Creative Work A as Collaboration A5 in the Master Profile A,and (ii) a Working Profile is created for Group 3/Content Participantsand the Content Controller. Next, Group 3/Content Participants and theContent Controller/Member A complete the collaboration and a newincarnation/rendition of Collaborations A3 is created, “CollaborationA5.” The new rendition is locked and added to Master Profile A. Now, allcollaborated projects are automatically made Released. Finally, theMaster Profile A is mirrored in all collaborators portfolios.

Now referring again to FIG. 10, Master Profile A includes the newCollaboration A5 as part of Master Profile A. (Note that in Example 9the Master Profile A will only include Creative Work A, CollaborationA1, Collaboration A2, Collaboration A3, Collaboration A4 andCollaboration A5 listed in the diagram.) The Content Controller/Member Ahas Collaboration A5 mirrored in their Member Portfolio. Group 3/ContentParticipants also show the new Collaboration A5 in the Master Profile Amirrored in their Member Portfolio. Note a stand-alone Master Profile ora mirrored Master Profile in a Members Portfolio, display the Creativework and all renditions of that Creative work.

In some embodiments, a Member Portfolio has the potential to havemultiple or even an infinite number of Master Profiles mirrored in theMember Portfolio. According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated byFIG. 15, a Master Profile's Mirrored on Members Portfolio Example, threeMember Portfolios and the eight unique Master Profiles ranging from 1 to95,012 are mirrored in their Member Portfolios. For Example: In MasterProfile 1 Jack Doe collaborated on Collaboration's 1, 2, and 3. Jane Doecollaborated on Collaboration 1. In Master Profile 3, Jack Doe and JaneDoe created the Creative Work for this Master Profile. In Master Profile56, Jack Doe was involved in creating Creative Work, Collaboration 2,and Collaboration 3. Jane Doe was involved in creating Collaboration 4.In Master Profile 115, Jack Doe was involved in creating Collaboration 2and Jane Doe was involved in Collaboration 2. In Master Profile 542,Jane Doe was involved in creating Collaboration 1. In Master Profile956, Jack Doe was involved in creating Collaboration 2. John Doe wasinvolved in creating the Creative Work, Collaboration 2, andCollaboration 3. Jane Doe was involved in creating Collaboration 3. InMaster Profile 10,254, Jane Doe was involved in creating the CreativeWork and Collaboration 3. In Master Profile 95,012, John Doe wasinvolved in creating Collaboration 3 and Collaboration 4. Jane Doe wasinvolved in creating the Creative work, Collaboration 1, 3, and 4.

As described herein, the CWCS may include or operate with a negotiationengine (NE) to assist one or more CWCS users in a negotiation of aright, duty, ______ or other aspect of a Collaborative Work, SourceWork, or other aspects of a Collaboration.

The NE is configured to provide one or more user interfaces, processingand/or data management functions for allowing a CWCS user to negotiateon various matters relating to a Collaboration or proposed Collaborationwith one or more other CWCS users. In certain embodiments, the userinterfaces, processing and/or data management functions of the NE areconfigured to allow multiple CWCS users or groups of users to negotiatetogether with one or more other users or groups of users. In certainembodiments, the user interfaces, processing and/or data managementfunctions of the NE are configured to allow one or more CWCS users tonegotiate with network users or entities outside of the CWCS.

In particular embodiments, the NE may include software, hardware,firmware, or combinations thereof, in the server 10 or one or more ofthe user devices 12 (FIG. 1), that controls one or more processors inthe server 10 or user device(s) 12, to perform functions of the NEdescribed herein. In particular embodiments, the NE includes softwarestored on the user device(s) 12, or software stored at the server 10 anddownloaded to one or more of the user device(s) 12. In otherembodiments, the NE software, hardware, firmware or combinations thereofreside on one or more network devices and is accessible by the server 10and/or user devices(s) 12 over the communication network.

In some embodiments the NE is included in, or is external to the CWCS,and interfaces with and functionally operates in association with one ormore components of the CWCS, including without limitation, one or moreWorking Profile, one or more Agreement Engines, and/or one or moredatabases as described herein. In some embodiments the NE is configuredto interface and/or functionally operate in association with one or moresystems and/or databases that are not a part of CWCS (such as, but notlimited to a third-party database, a crowd funding website or computersystem, a crowd sourcing website or a third party computer system).

In some embodiments, for example, the NE interfaces and/or functionallyoperates in association with one or more components of one or moreWorking Profile Preferences and allows one or more users to createsettings and create an online negotiation environment that may include,without limitation, offers and/or ongoing or updated status ofnegotiations between users or others regarding a Work, a Collaboration,equitable ownership of a Collaboration or a Work, and/or one or moreparts thereof (e.g., stock or membership ownership), payments to acollaborator or one or more other persons, rights, collaboration workdistribution details, one or more contracts or other agreements orcovenants, etc.

It is to be understood that the NE engine can be configured to assistusers of the CWCS and/or persons or entities (including withoutlimitation, other network-connected users and systems) to negotiate anyaspect of a Collaboration or related matter that is amenable to human,automated or partially automated negotiation, including withoutlimitation, terms that define or are otherwise associated with one ormore of the following negotiation scenarios:

(i) financing creation, completion, modification, promotion or otheraspects of one or more Collaboration Works;(ii) capitalization of a Collaboration Work (such as, but not limited toa collaborative creation of a company or business project);(iii) non-financial aspects of the creation of a Collaboration Work orother work, or portions thereof (including, without limitation, artisticrequirements or preferences, timing of completion of a CollaborationWork or a defined portion thereof, or the like);(iv) ownership, licensing and/or usage of a Collaboration Work or otherwork or portions thereof;(v) exploitation or other use (or rights associated therewith) of one ormore Collaboration Works, other works, or portions thereof; or(vi) enforcement of rights associated with one or more CollaborationWorks, other works, or portions thereof.

In some embodiments, such assistance includes providing one or more userinterfaces, for allowing a user to select or enter terms, or informationassociated with terms to the CWCS. Such interfaces may include, but arenot limited to, one or more display screens that are displayable on auser device 12 and that provide selectable items (selectable text,icons, soft buttons, or the like), menus of selectable items or fields,or other input mechanisms for entering information in the form of text,images, audio, video or combinations thereof. In particular embodiments,the NE may include and provide one or more display screens for each ofone or more selectable negotiation scenarios such as, but not limitedto, scenarios (i)-(vi) listed above. Each of such display screens mayinclude selectable text, icons, soft buttons, or the like, menus ofselectable items and/or information that relates to a specificnegotiation scenario. The display screen(s) associated with any (oreach) of the above scenarios (i)-(vi) or other suitable scenarios, mayalso include text, links to audio or video information or the like, thatprovide an explanation of one or more (or each) of the selectablenegotiation scenario options.

In particular embodiments, one or more display screens are provided forallowing a CWCS user to select or create terms associated with a desirednegotiation scenario. For example, a first display screen may provide auser with a plurality of selectable items (icons, menu of items or thelike) to identify a desired negotiation scenario. In particularembodiments, the plurality of selectable scenario items may include anicon or other selectable item associated with some (or each) of theabove-listed scenarios (i)-(vi). In other embodiments, selectablescenario items (icons, menu of items or the like) may include othernegotiation scenarios (other than those described above as examplescenarios (i)-(vi)). In particular embodiments, the first display screen(or other display screen) may also allow the CWCS user to specify one ormore other CWCS users (or other network users outside of the CWCS) asanother party to the negotiation.

Once a user selects a scenario item from the plurality of selectablescenario items, the user is provided with one or more further displayscreen(s) associated with the selected scenario item. The furtherdisplay screen(s) display a plurality of selectable text, icons, softbuttons or the like, associated on a one-to-one basis with acorresponding plurality of different options for terms relating to theselected scenario item. The further display screen(s) may also includeone or more fields in which the user may enter text to define one ormore terms that may not be associated with any of the selectable text,icons, soft buttons, or the like.

Thus, one or more further display screen(s) associated with scenario(i), above may include a plurality of selectable text, icons, softbuttons or the like, associated on a one-to-one basis with acorresponding plurality of different options for financing terms.Similarly, one or more further display screen(s) associated withscenario (ii), above may include a plurality of selectable text, icons,soft buttons or the like, associated on a one-to-one basis with acorresponding plurality of different options for terms forcapitalization.

Similarly, one or more further display screen(s) associated withscenario (iii), above may include a plurality of selectable text, icons,soft buttons or the like, associated on a one-to-one basis with acorresponding plurality of different options for terms for artisticrequirements, timing requirements, or the like (including, but notlimited to: artistic genre, size or duration of a Collaborative Work ora specified portion thereof, completion dates or specified time ofcompletion in hours, days, weeks, months, or years.

Similarly, one or more further display screen(s) associated withscenario (iv), above may include a plurality of selectable text, icons,soft buttons or the like, associated on a one-to-one basis with acorresponding plurality of different options for terms for ownership,licensing and/or usage rights, or the like (including, but not limitedto: defining percentages or other divisions of shared ownership inportions or all of a Collaborative Work, defining portions of aCollaborative Work that are owned by particular users or entities,license royalties, limitations on licensed use or publication of aCollaborative Work.

Similarly, one or more further display screen(s) associated withscenario (v), above may include a plurality of selectable text, icons,soft buttons or the like, associated on a one-to-one basis with acorresponding plurality of different options for exploitation or otheruse of a Collaborative Work, including, but not limited to: one or morespecified modes of exploitation (such as, but not limited to: licensing,sales of copies, sale of copyright), one or more specified sales venues(such as, but not limited to: one or more specified stores, distributorsand/or distribution channels), one or more time periods for exploitation(such as specified in hours, days, weeks, months, or years).

Similarly, one or more further display screen(s) associated withscenario (vi), above may include a plurality of selectable text, icons,soft buttons or the like, associated on a one-to-one basis with acorresponding plurality of different options for terms for enforcement(including, but not limited to: terms specifying one or more lawyers orlaw firms to handle an enforcement, which user(s) is (are) to share inany proceeds resulting from an enforcement action and the amount(percentage, or other division) of sharing of such proceeds among users,which user(s) is (are) responsible for financing enforcement actions,for managing an enforcement action, for determining whether or not toproceed with enforcement.

In particular embodiments, a first CWCS user may select one or more termoptions from a plurality of different options for terms associated witha selected negotiation scenario, by selecting display screen icons asdiscussed herein. The first CWCS user may propose one or more of thoseterms to one or more further CWCS user (or other network user outside ofthe CWCS) by communicating the selected negotiation term(s) to the oneor more further CWCS users (or other network users), over the network.For example, the further CWCS user may be provided with a display screen(on a user device 12) that provides information corresponding to (oridentical to) the term(s) selected by the first CWCS user. In particularembodiments, the CWCS allows the further CWCS user (or other networkusers) to alter the negotiation term(s), for example, by deleting,replacing or modifying text of the term(s) selected by the first CWCSuser. The further CWCS user (or other network users) may be providedwith access to selectable text, icons, soft buttons or the like,associated on a one-to-one basis with the same or another set of optionsfor terms corresponding to the negotiation scenario selected by thefirst CWCS user, and may select one or more of those options to modifyor replace one or more terms proposed by the first CWCS user.Alternatively, or in addition, the further CWCS user (or other networkusers) may be allowed to enter text (via a keyboard or the like) tomodify, delete or add to one or more terms proposed by the first CWCSuser.

In such embodiments, the CWCS provides the first CWCS user with themodified (or otherwise changed) term(s) from the further CWCS user (orother network user), for example, in a manner similar to the manner inwhich the term(s) were (was) initially provided to the further CWCS user(or other network user). In this manner, the CWCS allows the first CWCSuser and the further CWCS user (or other network user) to communicateone or more proposed terms and revisions between each other (or back andforth to each other) until the term(s) appear acceptable to both thefirst CWCS user and the further CWCS user, or until one or both partiesdisengage from the negotiation. In other embodiments, the CWCS allowsthe further CWCS user to make only one round of revisions (or aspecified number of rounds of revision), after which the revised term(s)is (are) provided to the first CWCS user to accept or refuse. In thatembodiment, if the first CWCS user refuses the revised version of theterm(s) provided by the further CWCS user, then the negotiation isautomatically terminated.

In some embodiments of the invention, assistance is provided by trackingor otherwise recording the elements, components, steps, rounds orprogress of a negotiation. For example, the CWCS may store each versionof the proposed term(s) communicated between the first CWCS user and thefurther CWCS user (or other network user) as discussed above. In suchembodiments, the stored versions may be accessible, through the CWCS, bya specified one or more (or each) of the first CWCS user and the furtherCWCS user (or other network user). Such access can allow a user to viewthe history and progress of a negotiation and, in some instances, toretrieve an earlier version of one or more terms.

In particular embodiments, the CWCS automatically protects theabove-discussed negotiation communications between users by implementingsuitable security measures, such as, but not limited to encryption ofsome or all of the negotiation content communicated between users,limiting access of negotiation communications to users (the first CWCSuser and each further CWCS user) having a specified authority title orlevel, password, biological condition detectable by biosecurity,geographic location, IP address, or other predefined characteristic, orany combination thereof. Alternatively or in addition, other suitablemeans of privacy protection, online security, digital document securityand/or computer security may be employed in connection with suchcommunications.

The NE engine may, in some embodiments, such as when used in associationwith the Agreement Engine (AE), provide one or more CWCS users (ornetwork users outside of the CWCS) associated with the Collaboration,with one or more templates of contracts, or parts thereof. In particularembodiments, a CWCS users (or network users outside of the CWCS) may beprovided with access to user selectable, or CWCS system-selectabletemplate contract provisions. For example, the CWCS may include oroperate with a database of pre-stored contract templates or portions ofcontract templates (templates for contract terms, contract sections, orthe like), where each template includes text for a complete contractterm, contract section or complete contract.

In further embodiments, some or each template includes text for acontract term, contract section or complete contract, where one or moreportions of the term, section or contract is not completed (or not fullycompleted), to allow the user to enter additional information tocomplete that portion of the term, section or contract, to form acomplete term, section or contract. The template portion not completedmay be, for example, a portion that specifies a particular value, shareamount, percentage, money amount, name, address, title, or the like.

In particular embodiments, one or more display screens are provided forallowing a CWCS user to select a desired contract type. For example, oneor more first display screens may provide a user with a plurality ofselectable items (icons, menu of items or the like) that identify acorresponding plurality of types of contracts, such as, but not limitedto, assignment and ownership contracts, joint development contracts,distribution contracts, or the like. Alternatively or in addition, thefirst display screen(s) may provide a user with a plurality ofselectable items that identify a corresponding plurality of types ofcontract terms, such as, but not limited to, assignment of rights terms,ownership terms, confidentiality terms, payment terms, arbitrationterms, or the like. In such embodiments, the CWCS user may select adesired contract or one or more desired contract terms by selecting thecorresponding selectable item on the first display screen. In responseto a selection, the CWCS provides the CWCS user with an editabletemplate corresponding to the selected contract or contract term(s).

In that manner, the CWCS user may obtain a contract template (or form acontract template with one or more contract term templates). Inparticular embodiments, the CWCS user may perform other operations withthat template, including, but not limited to storing the template in anelectronic storage device associated with (in or otherwise accessibleto) the user device 12, printing the template, transmitting the templateby email or otherwise, or the like. The CWCS user may edit the contracttemplate and form a proposed contract to present to one or more otherCWCS users (or network users outside of the CWCS).

In certain embodiments, the CWCS user may selectively send the contractto other CWCS users (or other network users). In other embodiments, theCWCS user may post the contract in an electronic forum accessible byother CWCS users (or other network users), or accessible by a predefinedlimited group of CWCS users (or predefined limited group of othernetwork users). In particular embodiments, the predefined other CWCSuser or group may be defined by the CWCS user that forms the draftcontract. For example, the first display screen (or other displayscreen) may allow the CWCS user to specify one or more other CWCS users(or other network users outside of the CWCS) as another party (orpotential party) to the contract. In such example, the CWCS mayautomatically send a completed draft contract to each CWCS user or groupof users specified as being another party (or potential party) to thecontract, for example, upon completion of a draft contract fromtemplates and/or upon an entry of an input (defined key stroke, iconselection or the like) by the CWCS user that indicates that the draftcontract is complete and ready to distribute to other parties orpotential parties.

In some embodiments of the invention, assistance is provided by trackingor otherwise recording the versions, edits and progress of thedevelopment of a contract. For example, the CWCS may store each versionof the proposed contract, where the stored versions may be accessible,through the CWCS, by a specified one or more (or each) of the CWCS users(or other network user) who are a party (or proposed party) to thecontract. Such access can allow a user to view the history and progressof the development and editing of a contract and, in some instances, toretrieve an earlier version of the contract. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the CWCS, through the use of the NE and/or the Agreementengine, can provide partial and/or full, draft, version and/or final,contract assembly, as well as tracked or recorded sequential agreementor contract drafts, sequential negotiation progress, and the like.

In particular embodiments, the NE and/or the AE is configured toaccumulate results of negotiations (including final versions of aplurality of negotiated terms) and combine them to form a draft contractor agreement. In further embodiments, the NE and/or the AE retrieve oneor more contract templates or contract term templates and incorporatesthe results of negotiations (including final versions of a plurality ofnegotiated terms) into such templates to form the draft contract oragreement. Thus, the NE and/or the AE may be configured to create one ormore provisional, draft or final contracts or agreements based on theresults of negotiations.

In some embodiments the NE and/or the AE can be configured to transmit adraft, a progress recordation, negotiation tracking data, or anotherversion of one or more such agreements, partial agreements, drafts, orthe like, to an attorney or other service provider for review, legalassistance, negotiation assistance, determining compliance with law,editing, or the like. In such embodiments, the aforementioned attorneyor other service provider need not be user of the CWCS or a part of anegotiation regarding a Collaboration. In particular embodiments, theCWCS automatically protects such communications with attorneys or otherservice providers, by implementing suitable security measures, such as,but not limited to encryption of some or all of the contract datacommunicated to or from the attorney or other service provider, limitingaccess of contract data to attorneys or service providers having aspecified authority title or level, password, biological conditiondetectable by biosecurity, geographic location, IP address, or otherpredefined characteristic, or any combination thereof. Alternatively orin addition, other suitable means of privacy protection, onlinesecurity, digital document security and/or computer security may beemployed in connection with such communications.

Accordingly, particular embodiments of the present invention includeconfigurations of the NE that provide transmission of negotiation dataand Collaboration-related agreements or contracts generated within theCWCS, to one or more persons or entities outside the CWCS, in a securefashion. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more draft and/orfinal agreements that are created by or with the CWCS are created usingthe Agreement Engine.

In some embodiments, the NE can be configured to enable one or more CWCSusers to finalize a negotiation or designated part thereof. Inparticular embodiments, the NE can be configured to enable one or moreusers to finalize a negotiation or part thereof at one or morepre-determined times. In some embodiments the NE can be configured to beselectively reopened for additional or future negotiations or can beselectively closed to future negotiations. In particular embodiments,one or more of the CWCS users (such as, but not limited to the firstCWCS user in the above-described examples) is provided with authority toselectively open or close the NE for future negotiation of a particularagreement or contract, once the agreement or contract has been drafted.

In some embodiments the NE can be used by one or more CWCS users withone or more other CWCS users, one or more non-CWCS network users, and/orone or more virtual entities or automated devices or systems. In someembodiments the NE can be used by one or more virtual entities orautomated devices or systems (for example, on behalf of one or more CWCSusers) and one or more other users, one or more non-CWCS network users,and/or one or more virtual entities or automated devices or systems. Insome embodiments one or more avatars may operate as users that interactwith the NE or with other users through the NE.

In some embodiments the NE provides an audio and/or visual interface forusers to interact to conduct negotiations using the NE. Such interfacesinclude, without limitation, video-conferencing systems, includingwithout limitation multi-party video-conferencing systems. In someembodiments the NE provides a virtual world negotiation environment inwhich one or more users may conduct negotiations (such as describedabove) through digital avatars or other digital representations of theone or more users. In such embodiments, such digital representations mayappear on the display screen provided to one or more users (or each ofthe users) involved in a negotiation through the NE.

In some embodiments, the NE may be accessed and employed by a singleuser, for example, to create offer documents, proposed negotiationterms, and/or templates for an offer, negotiation terms or a contract.In some embodiments the NE records or otherwise saves all or apre-determined part of negotiation information (such as, but not limitedto, each version, draft, commentary communications or final draft of aterm, contract or agreement) for each negotiation relating to aparticular Collaborative Work, in the Master Profile for the Work.

In some embodiments, the NE operates to assist an individual onlinenegotiation in one or more Working Profiles. In some other embodiments,the NE operates to assist with multiple negotiations, simultaneously, inassociation with one or more Collaborations and/or one or more WorkingProfiles. For example, and without limiting the foregoing, onenegotiation assisted by the NE for a Collaborative Work may be directedto negotiating ownership rights or other matters pertaining to theCollaborative Work or one or more parts thereof, while anothernegotiation (e.g., relating to the same Collaborative Work or anotherCollaborative Work) may be directed to payment for participation in thecreation or exploitation of a Collaborative Work.

In some embodiments, the NE provides an interactive online platform forblind bid negotiations. For example, and without limiting the foregoing,if an Initiator sets up a Working Profile for a Collaboration and suchInitiator wants only one person to collaborate on the subjectCollaboration project, but there is or might be a plurality ofresponding users for the Initiator to select from, the Initiator mayconfigure the NE to allow the plurality of users to submit a blindnegotiation bid so the Initiator can select which user will beauthorized to participate in the Collaboration. In such embodiments, theNE may be configured to receive input from one or more responding users,where the input corresponds to a bid amount or other informationassociated with a bid. In particular embodiments, such other informationmay include qualification information, text, narrative explanation,audio data, video data or combinations thereof, that explain or show alevel of talent or other characteristic of the responding user, that mayassist the Initiator to select a responding user (or reject a respondinguser) for participation in the Collaboration.

In some embodiments the CWCS, or parts thereof, such as the NE, is(are)configured to interface with third party, or non-CWCS user, databases,systems, websites, etc. For example, and without limiting the forgoing,in some embodiments, the NE is configured to interface with non-CWCSentities, such as, but not limited to non-CWCS websites, systems anddatabases such as one or more crowd funding websites, one or more crowdsourcing websites, one or more databases providing CCE-usefulInformation (as that term is defined below), one or more virtual orcrypto currency systems (e.g, Virtual Money, Bitcoin, etc.), one or moreonline gaming platforms, and/or one or more online virtual worldsystems. In some embodiments, the CWCS provides currency exchangecalculations for cost evaluations, pay outs to one or more persons whenthe CWCS is used as payment facilitator. In some embodiments the CWCSinterfaces with one or more non-CWCS collaboration platforms, engines,collaboration tools, and/or rights licensing utilities, etc. Inparticular embodiments, the CWCS is configured to post requests forcollaboration, requests for funding, transfer funds for payments, andperform other tasks through such interfaces with non-CWCS entities,based on terms of a completed contract that has been negotiated, storedor otherwise included in the CWCS in association with a CollaborativeWork.

In some embodiments, the NE send offers and/or other negotiation invitesto potential collaborators, which, in some embodiments of the inventioncomprise initial negotiation offers or options.

In some embodiments of the NE, the NE includes, but is not limited to, aSettlement Moderator Engine (SME) or a plurality of SMEs. The SME allowsusers who have used the NE to create an agreement to use the SME tosettle a dispute that may arise in the collaboration of a Work inaccordance with pre-agreed upon terms.

In some embodiments, the CWCS creates or otherwise generates one or moreagreements for one or more Collaborators and/or potential Collaborators.In particular embodiments, one or more such agreements are created byone or more AEs.

An AE may include software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof,in the server 10 or one or more of the user devices 12 (FIG. 1), thatcontrols one or more processors in the server 10 or user device(s) 12,to perform functions of the AE described herein. In particularembodiments, the AE includes software stored on the user device(s) 12,or software stored at the server 10 and downloaded to one or more of theuser device(s) 12. In other embodiments, the AE software, hardware,firmware or combinations thereof reside on one or more network devicesand is accessible by the server 10 and/or user devices(s) 12 over thecommunication network. In particular embodiments, the AE configures anassociated processor to generate one or more agreements pertaining to,or otherwise associated with, one or more Collaborations, one or moreCollaborative Works, and/or one or more related matter.

In some embodiments of the invention, the creation of one or moreagreements pertaining to, or otherwise associated with, one or moreCollaborations, one or more Collaborative Works, and/or one or morerelated mattes, is itself a Collaboration directed to the creation ofone or more Collaborative Works comprising said one or more agreements.An “agreement collaborative work” (“ACW”) comprising the agreement tocreate one or more other Collaborative Works, is, in some embodiments ofthe invention, generated in addition to one or more other CollaborativeWorks that is/are the subject of one or more ACWs.

In some embodiments of the invention, the AE can, but is not requiredto, automatically generate a copyright application regarding the ACW. Insuch embodiments, the AE may generate a copyright application document,by populating a pre-stored copyright application template withinformation obtained by one or more users, including, but not limited toone or more of copyright work author name and address, copyright ownername and address, date of origination, date of publication, copyrightwork title and appropriate specimens of copyright work to include in thecopyright application. The AE may seek copyright owner approval andsignature (electronic signature or hand signature) on a completedcopyright application, via one or more network communications. Uponreceipt of such approval and signature, the AE may communicate theapplication to an appropriate law office, or other service provider forfiling with an appropriate copyright office (such as, but not limited tothe U.S. Copyright Office), or may be configured to communicate theapplication directly to the appropriate copyright office.

In some embodiments, the AE will track and keep record of any existingagreement to which a user of the CWCS is a party. In some embodiments AEwill compare and verity one or more newly generated agreements withpre-existing agreements relating to a particular Collaboration,Collaborative Work, party or user, for potential conflicts with anotherACW or another existing agreement associated with the particularCollaboration, Collaborative Work, party, user or other aspect of theCWCS.

In some embodiments of the invention, ACWs are generated through the useof one or more AEs (individually or collectively referred to herein asthe AE). In some embodiments, the AE is configured to search for,acquire and incorporate into the ACWs user-selected or desired, orAE-suggested, clauses and/or other provisions for the subject ACW(s). Insome embodiments the AE stores copies of ACWs or parts thereof. In stillother embodiments the AE stores versions of the ACW created, during theprocess of creating the ACW.

In some embodiments, the AE is configured to enable a CWCS user tochoose from and use provisions stored in one or more databasesassociated with the AE, including, but not limited to provisionsassociated choice of laws provision(s), provisions addressingcontractual integration issues, liquidated damages provisions, or thelike. For example, in particular embodiments, the AE is configured toprovide one or more user interfaces, for allowing a user to select orenter input corresponding to user selections, search terms or otherinformation that the AE employs in the performance of operationsdescribed herein. Such interfaces may include, but are not limited to,one or more display screens that are displayable on a user device 12 andthat provide selectable items (selectable text, icons, soft buttons, orthe like), menus of selectable items or fields, or other inputmechanisms for entering information in the form of text, images, audio,video or combinations thereof.

For example, and without limiting the foregoing, in certain embodiments,the AE is configured to provide one or more display screens are providedfor allowing a CWCS user to select or create contract templates,contract clauses or sections, or the like, for a desired contract type.The AE may provide one or more display screens, where each displayscreen may include one or more selectable text, icons, soft buttons, orthe like, menus of selectable items and/or information that relate totypes of contracts, contract clauses or sections, tutorial orexplanatory information regarding types of contracts or contract clausesor sections, or the like.

For example, one or more first display screens may show and provide auser with a plurality of selectable items (icons, menu of items or thelike), where each selectable item is associated with and/or identifies adesired type of contract, type of contract clause or section, or thelike. Alternatively or in addition, the first display screen may providea field or other mechanism for entering search information, such as, butnot limited to, search terms, words or phrases associated with or likelyincluded in a type of contract or contract clause or section ofinterest.

In such embodiments, the AE may be configured to provide one or moresecond display screens, in response to a user selection of a selectableitem and/or entry of search information on the first display screen(s).The one or more second display screens include at least one displayscreen having a contract, contract clause or section, or template forsame, tutorial or explanatory information for same, or any combinationthereof, corresponding to the selectable item and/or search informationthat is associated with and/or identifies a desired type of contract,clause, section, or the like.

In such embodiments, the AE may include or operate with one or moredatabases which store items including contracts, contract clauses orsections and templates therefor, for contracts of different types, wherethe AE (or database(s)) associates each stored item with a correspondinguser selectable item of the first display screen(s). Items in thedatabase(s) may be pre-stored and may include sample items drafted bypersons of suitable authority, experience and skill relating to thesubject matter of the item. Alternatively or in addition, thedatabase(s) may learn, include and store new or revised items that aredrafted or received from a CWCS user in connection with a negotiation orcontract developed in the AE or NE. In such embodiments, the AE or NEmay be configured to store additional items in the database(s), as suchitems are received from a CWCS user, e.g., through the AE or NE.

The AE may be configured to retrieve one or more associated stored itemsassociated with the user selectable item of the first display screen(s),and display the retrieved item(s) on the second display screen(s), inresponse to a user selecting a corresponding user selectable item on thefirst display screen(s). Alternatively or in addition, the AE mayinclude or employ a search algorithm that searches database entries forparticular words, phrases or other information that a user may enterinto a search field or other search input mechanism as described above.

In that manner, the CWCS user may obtain a complete contract or completeclause or section of a contract, or a template for a contract, contractclause or section, or the like. In particular embodiments, the CWCS usermay perform other operations with that information, including, but notlimited to storing the information in an electronic storage deviceassociated with (in or otherwise accessible to) the user device 12,printing the information, transmitting the information by email orotherwise, or the like. The CWCS user may edit the information and forma proposed contract to present to one or more other CWCS users (ornetwork users outside of the CWCS). In certain embodiments, the CWCSuser may selectively send the contract to other CWCS users (or othernetwork users). In other embodiments, the CWCS user may post thecontract in an electronic forum accessible by other CWCS users (or othernetwork users), or accessible by a predefined limited group of CWCSusers (or predefined limited group of other network users). Inparticular embodiments, the predefined other CWCS user or group may bedefined by the CWCS user that forms the draft contract. For example, thefirst display screen (or other display screen) may allow the CWCS userto specify one or more other CWCS users (or other network users outsideof the CWCS) as another party (or potential party) to the contract. Insuch example, the CWCS may automatically send a completed draft contractto each CWCS user or group of users specified as being another party (orpotential party) to the contract, for example, upon completion of adraft contract from templates and/or upon an entry of an input (definedkey stroke, icon selection or the like) by the CWCS user that indicatesthat the draft contract is complete and ready to distribute to otherparties or potential parties.

In particular embodiments described with reference to the process 950FIG. 16, the AE is configured to assist with the CWCS user with draftinga contract, clause or section of a contract, or a template for acontract, contract clause or section, or the like, by employing andaccessing (at 952) one or more databases which store items includingcontracts, contract clauses or sections and templates therefor, asdescribed herein. In certain embodiments, the each of the item stored inthe database(s) (e.g., each contract, contract clause or section, and/oreach templates) is associated with, or contains one or more key terms orphrases. A key term or phrase may include one or more predefined words,typographical symbols, combinations of words or symbols (or both),predefined combinations of words or symbols occurring in series,predefined combinations of words or symbols occurring within apredefined number of words or symbols of each other, or predefinedcombinations of words or symbols occurring in the same paragraph,document or section of a document. The AE may be configured to performsyntax association, or other suitable processes, to recognize oridentify such key terms or phrases in items stored in the database(s),such that the AE may identify one or more of such items (e.g.,contracts, contract clauses or sections, and/or templates) that containone or more of such key terms or phrases.

In addition, the AE or NE may be configured to receive and detect input(at 954) from a CWCS user corresponding to one or more user-selected keywords, symbols or phrases. In particular embodiments, the AE or NEprovides the a user interface (as described herein) to allow the CWCSuser to enter the one or more user-selected key words or phrases, e.g.,through a user device 12. The AE or NE receives such one or moreuser-selected key words or phrases entered by the user. Alternatively,or in addition, the AE or NE may be configured to automaticallyrecognize one or more key words or phrases being used by a CWCS user inone or more communications with one or more other users (such as, butnot limited to, negotiation communications through the NE or AE). Forexample, the AE or NE may be configured to conduct a syntax evaluation(or other suitable process) on content (messages, communications withother CWCS users, draft clauses, draft contracts, draft templates orother information received from a CWCS user through the AE or NE) anddetect one or more key words or phrases used in such content.

The AE or NE may be configured to identify and select (at 955) one ormore items (e.g., contracts, contract clauses or sections, and/ortemplates) from the database(s) that include or are otherwise associatedwith the one or more key words or phrases entered by the user, orrecognized as being in one or more communications between CWCS users.The AE or NE may be configured to display (at 958) the one or moreselected items to the user, e.g., on a user device 12 (or display, onthe user device 12, a menu of icons, descriptive information or otherinformation associated with each selected item, from which a user mayselect one or more of the selected items).

In some embodiments of the invention, assistance is provided by trackingor otherwise recording the versions, edits and progress of thedevelopment of a contract. For example, the CWCS may store each versionof the proposed contract, where the stored versions may be accessible,through the CWCS, by a specified one or more (or each) of the CWCS users(or other network user) who are a party (or proposed party) to thecontract. Such access can allow a user to view the history and progressof the development and editing of a contract and, in some instances, toretrieve an earlier version of the contract. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the CWCS, through the use of the NE and/or the Agreementengine, can provide partial and/or full, draft, version and/or final,contract assembly, as well as tracked or recorded sequential agreementor contract drafts, sequential negotiation progress, and the like.

In particular embodiments, the AE may be configured to accept entriesfrom a CWCS user to store in the one or more databases of contracts,contract clauses, sections, tutorials and templates therefor, for futureaccess by the same CWCS user or for access by one or more other CWCSusers. In certain embodiments, the AE is configured to accept entriesfrom any CWCS user. In other embodiments, the AE is configured to acceptentries only from pre-defined CWCS users (such as certain CWCS usersthat are approved by a CWCS administrator, or the like).

In some embodiments of the invention, users that provide clauses orother entries into the AE database are provided with a credit or anothertype of reward or compensation. In some embodiments, the AE dynamicallycreates a database of accumulated clauses, statements, contractuallanguage, contracts, templates, tutorial and other information that canbe accessed by users of the CWCS to generate one more ACWs.

In some embodiments the AE is self-learning in that the AE generatessuggested clauses or other provisions to propose to users (display byelectronic message on the display screens of a user devices 12, or inother manners), while the users are in a process of collaboratingthrough the CWCS to generate an ACW. In some embodiments, the AE isconfigured to “learn” and record which clauses or other provisions areused frequently, which are used in association with the creation ofdifferent types of Collaborative Works.

For example, in such embodiments, the AE can receive user input (orobtain and analyze such input from information entered by the CWCS usersin the process of creating an ACWS for a Collaborative Work) todetermine a type of Collaborative Work (from among a plurality ofpredefined types) that is the subject of the ACWS. The AE can retrieveone or more contracts, contract clauses or sections, templates,tutorials or other information from one or more databases, where suchretrieved information is associated with the type of Collaborative Workdetermined to be the subject of the ACWS. In such embodiments, thedatabase(s) may include a plurality of different contracts, contractclauses or sections, templates, tutorials or other information, eachassociated with a different type of contract. In particular embodiments,the AE is configured to retrieve and display to the CWCS users, one ormore contracts, contract clauses or sections, templates, tutorials orother information, clauses or other provisions that are associated withthe type of contract that is the subject of the ACWS and/or that the AEhas “learned” to be frequently used or associated with the particulartype of Collaborative Work for which the ACWs is being created.

In some embodiments, the AE is configured to translate an ACW and/or anACW in-progress, into another language, such as a non-English language.In some embodiments, the AE is configured to translate the ACW into signlanguage provided either by the CWCS through a digital display system orby live videoconferencing effectuated by means described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,792,676, which is incorporated herein by reference, in itsentirety.

In some embodiments of the invention the AE is configured to provide toCWCS users a means of diminishing the need for attorneys to negotiateand/or draft agreements of the type may be associated with aCollaboration. In this regard, in some embodiments, the AE collects andarranges clauses and other parts from existing agreements in the CWCS.According to such embodiments, each time a new contract, clause,statement, template or other information is added to the CWCS the AEwill analyze and may incorporate some or all of the new contracts,clauses, statements, templates or other information into one or moredatabases and catalogs them with other contracts, clauses, statements,templates or other information previously stored in the database(s).

It particular embodiments, the Collaborative Matching features describedherein may be employed, but are not limited, to provide usefulassistance directed to identifying and matching the talents of people,groups, investors, designs, creative works, collaboration, or the like,either in and outside of the CWCS. One or more of the CollaborativeMatching features described herein may include, and/or be associatedwith, a Collaborative Compatibility Engine (“CCE”). In some embodiments,the CWCS, or one or more parts thereof, includes or otherwise interfaceswith one or more CCEs to operate as described herein.

A CCE may include software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof,in the server 10 or one or more of the user devices 12 (FIG. 1), thatcontrols one or more processors in the server 10 or user device(s) 12,to perform functions of the CCE described herein. In particularembodiments, the CCE includes software stored on the user device(s) 12,or software stored at the server 10 and downloaded to one or more of theuser device(s) 12. In other embodiments, the CCE software, hardware,firmware or combinations thereof reside and operate on one or more othernetwork devices, and is accessible by the server 10 and/or userdevices(s) 12 over the communication network.

A CCE can be configured to provide, in part, additional efficiency of,or to, the CWCS, users, and/or collaborative efforts resulting from orotherwise involving the CWCS. Such additional efficiency can be providedthrough the use of one or more computer programs or systems configuredto analyze various factors and determine one or more matches based onthe factors and analysis. In particular embodiments, the CCE includes oroperates with one or more computer (or processor) systems configured asone or more multifactor analytic and/or algorithmic systems.

In particular embodiments, such systems are configured to operate todefine, determine, predict, evaluate, track, record, and/or report oneor more measures of potential or actual collaborative appropriateness,collaborative goodness of fit, collaborative efficiency, collaborativeeffectiveness, collaborative success and/or level of collaborativequality, and/or the like, for, or otherwise in regard to, (i) thepotential working together, and/or actual, working together, and/orother collaborative work efforts, of two or more persons, such as,without limitation, two or more persons that might potentiallycollaborate regarding one or more Collaborative Works, persons thatalready are or have been collaborators, and/or combinations thereof, forthe purpose of creating, modifying, exploiting and/or using one or moreCollaborative Works, (ii) the likelihood that one or more desired oranticipated collaborations by, between, or in association with theefforts of two or more actual or potential collaborator persons, or oneor more combinations of actual and potential collaborator persons, willcreate, generate, or otherwise produce one or more Collaborative Works(such as, for example, one or more specified desired CollaborativeWorks, such as Collaborative Works created in association with the useof the CWCS) as desired or anticipated, and/or that such one or moreCollaborative Works will comprise, meet, achieve, fit, exhibit, bedefined by, and/or otherwise can be characterized by one or morepredetermined specifications (e.g., one or more quality levels,functional characteristics, aesthetic characteristics, cost limitations,time constraints, etc.), and/or (iii) one or more collaborativerelationships involving one or more actual or potential CollaborativeWorks. Each of such one or more measures being a “CollaborativeCompatibility Level.”

The CCE is configured to calculate or otherwise determine one or moreCollaborative Compatibility Levels pertaining to two or more personsand/or one or more Collaborative Works, and/or information associatedtherewith (or a combination thereof).

In particular embodiments, the CWCS is configured to employ the CCEcalculated Collaborative Compatibility Level in connection with one ormore pre-defined operations of the CWCS. Such one or more pre-definedoperations may include, but are not limited to, selecting one or moreother CWCS users (or other users) to present to the CWCS user aspossible, or potentially appropriate, collaborators for a proposed orongoing Collaborative Work or collaboration. In such embodiments, theCWCS may be configured to select one or more other CWCS users (or otherusers) that have a CCE calculated Collaborative Compatibility Level thatis greater than a pre-defined threshold value, and to provide the CWCSuser (on a user device 12) with a display on a screen, page, audiomessage, or the like, that shows or identifies the selected other CWCSusers (or other users). In one example, the CWCS provides the CWCS userwith a display screen on the user device 12, showing information abouteach selected other CWCS user (or other user), where such informationmay include, but is not limited to, a name, identification or user code,photograph, sample of a work, descriptive text or the like for eachselected other CWCS user (or other user). In particular embodiments, theCWCS provides the CWCS user with a display of such information for aplurality of selected other CWCS users (or other users) that have a CCEcalculated Collaborative Compatibility Level that is greater than apre-defined threshold value.

In other embodiments, the CWCS is configured to employ the CCEcalculated Collaborative Compatibility Level in connection with theselection or drafting of a clause, contract, template or portions orsections thereof. In such embodiments, the CWCS is configured to employthe CCE calculated Collaborative Compatibility Level to generate orpropose one or more values, terms, conditions or other parameters of aclause, contract, template or portions or sections thereof. For example,the CWCS employs the calculated Collaborative Compatibility Level todetermine or propose a compensation amount or type of compensation and,may generate and provide a sample clause, contract, template or portionsor sections thereof, that include the determined or proposedcompensation amount or type.

For example, a first compensation amount or type may be determined orproposed for a first other CWCS user that has a calculated CollaborativeCompatibility Level of a first value, while a second compensation amountor type may be determined or proposed for a second other CWCS user thathas a calculated Collaborative Compatibility Level of a second value. Insuch example, the first value may be greater or higher (e.g., a greateramount of compensation or a higher value of compensation type) than thesecond value, where the calculated Collaborative Compatibility Level forthe first other user is higher than that of the second other user. Thus,the CWCS will generate or propose a higher compensation amount or valuefor other CWCS users that scores higher Collaborative CompatibilityLevels, relative to other CWCS users that score lower CollaborativeCompatibility Levels. In further examples, the CWCS will generate orpropose a first (or lower) compensation amount or value for each otherCWCS user (or other user) that has a calculated CollaborativeCompatibility Level at or below a predefined threshold value, but willgenerate or propose a second (or higher) compensation amount or valuefor each other CWCS user (or other user) that has a calculatedCollaborative Compatibility Level above the predefined threshold value.

Similarly, the CWCS may be configured to generate or propose othervalues, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause, contract,template or portions or sections thereof (or to propose entire clauses,contracts, templates or portions or sections thereof) based on the CCEcalculated Collaborative Compatibility Level. For example, a firstclause, contract, template or portions or sections thereof may bedetermined or proposed for a first other CWCS user that has a calculatedCollaborative Compatibility Level of a first value, while a second(different) clause, contract, template or portions or sections thereofmay be determined or proposed for a second other CWCS user that has acalculated Collaborative Compatibility Level of a second (different)value. Thus, for example, the CWCS may generate or propose clausesrelating to revenue sharing, management roles or duties, or other rolesor duties for a first other CWCS user that has a calculatedCollaborative Compatibility Level of a first value, but does notgenerate or propose such clauses for a second other CWCS user that has acalculated Collaborative Compatibility Level of a second (different)value (higher, or lower, than the first value). In such embodiments, theCWCS may include or operate with one or more databases (as describedherein) that include one or more values, terms, conditions or otherparameters, clauses, contracts, templates or portions or sectionsthereof, each associated with one or more (or a threshold) ofCollaborative Compatibility Levels, such that the CWCS may select one ormore values, terms, conditions or other parameters, clauses, contracts,templates or portions or sections thereof that correspond toCollaborative Compatibility Levels (or thresholds of such Levels).

Thus, with reference to FIG. 17, the CWCS may be configured to perform aprocess 960, in which the CWCS determines (at 962) a CCE calculatedCollaborative Compatibility Level for at least one other user. Suchother user may be another CWCS user (or other user) who responded to acollaboration request or invitation from a CWCS user. Alternatively, orin addition, the other user may be another CWCS user (or other user) whohas registered with the CWCS (e.g., but not limited to a CWCS Member) oris otherwise recognized by the CWCS.

The process 960 further includes selecting or generating (at 964) one ormore values, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause,contracts, templates or portions or sections thereof, based on the CCEcalculated Collaborative Compatibility Level for the other user. Forexample, the CWCS may select or generate a predefined first compensationlevel or type (or a first compensation clause, compensation contract orportion or section thereof), in response to a CCE calculatedCollaborative Compatibility Level of a first value (or that meets orexceeds a first predefined threshold). In addition, the CWCS may selecta predefined second compensation level or type (or a second compensationclause, compensation contract or portion or section thereof), inresponse to a CCE calculated Collaborative Compatibility Level of asecond value (or that falls below the first predefined threshold).

In further embodiments, the CWCS may employ more than one threshold,such that additional compensation levels or types (or additionalcompensation clause, compensation contract or portion or sectionthereof), may be selected or generated in response to a CCE calculatedCollaborative Compatibility Level meeting, exceeding or falling beloweach further threshold. Thus, for example, more than two differentvalues, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause, contracts,templates or portions or sections thereof may each be associated with adifferent respective CCE calculated Collaborative Compatibility Level orrange of Levels, or threshold, such that the CWCS selects one or moredifferent respective values, terms, conditions or other parameters of aclause, contracts, templates or portions or sections thereof, inresponse to each different CCE calculated Collaborative CompatibilityLevel.

The process 960 in FIG. 17 further includes presenting (at 966) the oneor more values, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause,contracts, templates or portions or sections thereof, that were selectedat 964. In particular embodiments, the CWCS presents such values, terms,conditions or other parameters of a clause, contracts, templates orportions or sections thereof to the CWCS user by displaying such values,terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause, contracts, templatesor portions or sections thereof on a user device 12 of the CWCS user.Alternatively or in addition, the CWCS may provide such values, terms,conditions or other parameters of a clause, contracts, templates orportions or sections thereof on a webpage, network location orelectronic storage medium accessible to the CWCS user (e.g., through auser device 12). Alternatively or in addition, the CWCS may provide suchvalues, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause, contracts,templates or portions or sections thereof to the CWCS user, by email,text messaging, audio messaging or other electronic communication.

While the above embodiments are described with respect to one or moreother users, each having a CCE calculated Collaborative CompatibilityLevel, other embodiments may calculate and employ a CollaborativeCompatibility Level calculated for a group of other CWCS users (or otherusers). In such embodiments, an addition or subtraction of one or moreCWCS users (or other users) to the group can cause the calculatedCollaborative Compatibility Level of the group to change. Thus, groupsof different users (or different combinations of users) can havedifferent calculated Collaborative Compatibility Levels.

In particular embodiments, the CCE is configured to calculate ordetermine Collaborative Compatibility Levels, through the use of one ormore predefined processes, algorithms, routines or the like. In certainembodiments, such Collaborative Compatibility Levels and/or processes,algorithms, routines or the like may be configured based, at least inpart, on analysis and advice of doctors, researchers, professionals inrelevant industries or other individuals trained and/or experienced inanalyzing matches for particular types of Collaborative Works.

Calculation or other determination of one or more CollaborativeCompatibility Levels may be carried out by the server 10, one or moreuser devices 12, or other computer device that utilizes CCE-usableInformation about, relating to, or associated with, (i) one or morepersons, (ii) one or more actual or desired Collaborative Works and/orCollaborative Works in-progress, (iii) one or more other existing and/ordesired works, and/or (iv) one or more human endeavors of a type thatcomprises or is associated with, collaboration. It is to be understoodthat the term “CCE-usable Information” in the preceding sentence shallbe broadly construed, and CCE-usable information may be any and allkinds of information that has causative or correlative relevance to oneor more calculations of one or more Collaborative Compatibility Levels.

In particular embodiments CCE-usable information may, for example, andwithout limitation, be, any one or combination of the following:

(i) information regarding a person's prior collaborative efforts withone or more other persons, including, without limitation, for example,information (such as, but not limited to numerical or other values,ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from other collaboratingusers or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS) regarding aperson's contribution share, evaluation of the person's collaborationcontribution quantity, quality, style, ease, difficulty, and ability towork effectively with other collaborators, activities by othercollaborators, and previously generated Collaboration CompatibilityLevel data involving or relating directly or indirectly to the person;(ii) information as cited in (i) or other information regarding aperson's prior collaborative efforts regarding one or more existingCollaborative Works and/or one or more Collaborative Works in-progress(such as, for example, and without limitation, such works created inassociation with the CWCS);(iii) information (such as, but not limited to numerical or othervalues, ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from othercollaborating users or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS)regarding a person's prior collaborative efforts regarding one or moreworks that are (a) similar to works of the type referenced in (ii), (b)similar to specified works or types of works (such as, for example,without limitation, a work of the type that a user intended to become aCollaborative Work), (c) similar to other specified works; (d) similarto works where the similarity is determined by subjective means (by oneor more persons, such as, for example, a Content Controller and/or aCWCS Operator), (e) similar to other works where the similarity isdetermined by objective criteria or algorithmic systems (such as, forexample, by systems described herein as Collaborative Work SimilarityEvaluation Means); (f) similar to other works where the similarity isdetermined by a combination of (e) and (e);(iv) information (such as, but not limited to numerical or other values,ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from other collaboratingusers or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS) regarding aperson's abilities, including without limitation, information regardinga person's level of skill, talent and/or artistry, including forexample, without limitation, one or more numerical or other values orother ratings by the CWCS, one or more other persons, one or morecommunities, or one or more other entities;(v) business or professional information regarding a person, such as,for example, and without limitation, information regarding the person'sfees and/or other acceptable compensation for completion of a specifiedtask and/or the providing of a specified product or service, informationregarding preferred methods of doing business, information regardingpersonal or professional limitations, etc.;(vi) information (such as, but not limited to numerical or other values,ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from other collaboratingusers or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS) regarding aperson's prior works, Collaborative Works, creations and/or otheraccomplishments;(vii) Personal Information of any suitable kind, including, for example,and without limitation, information (such as, but not limited tonumerical or other values, ratings, descriptions or comments) comprisingor relating to a person's occupation, education, marital status,abilities, talents, age, gender, ethnicity, language(s) spoken, geneticinformation, physical attributes, disabilities, medical information,psychological information, sexual identity, sexual preferences,religious affiliation(s), political affiliation(s), other groupaffiliation(s), vocation(s), hobby(ies), avocation(s), food preferences,sexual preferences, music preferences, motion picture preferences, gamepreferences, literature preferences, other entertainment preferences,type(s) of entertainment consumed, art preferences, travel preferences,leisure activity preferences, likes, dislikes, fears, phobias,attitudes, opinions, motivations, income, socio-economic status, othersocio-economic information, assets, liabilities, residence location(s),work location(s), family, alleged, adjudicated and/or resolved civillitigation matters and/or criminal matters, personal locationinformation, and/or historic information regarding any and/or all of theforegoing (any and all of the foregoing types of information in thissection (vi) is referred to herein as “Personal Information”);(viii) Personal Behavior information comprising, pertaining or relatingto, or otherwise associated with, a person's behavior, including,without limitation, product purchase information, service purchaseinformation, product usage information, service usage information,(including, for example, without limitation, entertainment product andservice consumption information), information associated withinteractions with one or more other persons (such as, for example,communications with other persons, social network communications andother interactions with one or more persons), information regardingonline searches conducted, other online activity information, bandwidthusage, (any and all of the foregoing types of information in thissection (viii) is referred to herein as “Personal BehaviorInformation”);(ix) Predefined digitally stored information, including, withoutlimitation, Personal Information digitally stored by or for the CWCS,and/or Personal Behavior Information stored by or for the CWCS. Inparticular embodiments, such digitally stored information may includeany or all information of the type referred to in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/668,304 “Automatic Online Diary For ElectronicDevice” (which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety),that is usable by, or in association with, one or more computers and/orother digital devices (all of the foregoing types of information is alsoreferred to herein as “Digitally Stored Information”);(x) location-based and/or location-associated information, including,without limitation, geographic location information or other locationinformation (including, but not limited to, GPS, IP address,triangulated location information or the like) associated with any ofthe information referred to in any of (i) through (ix) above, orcombination thereof;(xi) information (such as, but not limited to numerical or other values,ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from other collaboratingusers or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS) pertaining tocompatible and/or incompatible personality types;(xii) information (such as, but not limited to numerical or othervalues, ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from othercollaborating users or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS)pertaining to compatible and/or incompatible behaviors;(xiii) information of the type set forth in (i)-(xii) regarding, relatedto, or otherwise associated with one or more “First Degree AssociatedPersons” directly or indirectly associated with a person; information ofthe type set forth in (i)-(xii) regarding, related to, or otherwiseassociated with one or more Second Degree Associated persons directly orindirectly associated with the aforementioned person and/or one or moreFirst Degree Associated persons; and information of the type set forthin (i)-(xii) regarding, related to, or otherwise associated with otherlevels of N(+1)-Degree Associated persons directly or indirectlyassociated with one or more N-Degree Associated Persons,inter-associations thereof, and/or inter-associations with one or moreSecond Degree Associated Persons, one or more First Degree AssociatedPersons and/or the aforementioned person;(xiv) information (such as, but not limited to numerical or othervalues, ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from othercollaborating users or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS)about one or more works, including, without limitation, for example, oneor more Collaborative Works and/or one or more Collaborative Worksin-progress;(xv) information (such as, but not limited to numerical or other values,ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from other collaboratingusers or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS) regarding one ormore genres, styles, categories, or types, of works, including withoutlimitation, for example, information regarding characteristics, elementsor components pertaining to a type or style of work;(xvi) information (such as, but not limited to numerical or othervalues, ratings, descriptions, comments or valuations from othercollaborating users or peers, other persons, communities or the CWCS)regarding collaboration style, methods of collaboration, or preferredcollaboration modes or preferences, including without limitation, forexample, information regarding one or more collaboration styles, etc.,including without limitation, for example, information regardingcharacteristics, elements or components pertaining to a style ofcollaboration; or(xvii) any other data, information and/or data processing means,including for example, without limitation, one or more additional,substitute, alternate, assisting, associated, modifying, and/orinterfacing programs, routines, algorithms and/or other processingcomponents that are, or might be, useful to define, determine,calculate, record, report and/or use one or more CollaborationCompatibility Levels.

In some embodiments, CCE-usable Information may be provided by one ormore persons, including for example, a user of the CWCS, a databaseand/or module or component of the CWCS, and/or one or more third partycomputers and/or databases, to the CCE via one or more data inputtingdevices. In some embodiments the type(s) and/or amounts of CCE-usableinformation entered into the CCE to generate one or more CollaborationCompatibility Levels is controlled or limited by one or more computerdevices and/or one or more other persons.

It is to be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, theCCE may use one or more different algorithms, routines and/or programs,including without limitation, one or more that may be tailored forspecific types of collaborations, Collaborative Works and/orCollaborative Communities. For example the CCE may include or use afirst set of one or more algorithms, routines and/or programs formusical types of collaborations, Collaborative Works and/orCollaborative Communities, and a second set of one or more algorithms,routines and/or programs for textual (including, but not limited tostories, poems or other literature) types of collaborations,Collaborative Works and/or Collaborative Communities. In furtherembodiments, a third set of one or more algorithms, routines and/orprograms for technical (including, but not limited to electronic,software, architecture or other technical design) types ofcollaborations, Collaborative Works and/or Collaborative Communities.Other embodiments may employ some, but not all of the above sets and/oradditional sets of one or more algorithms, routines and/or programs forother types of collaborations, Collaborative Works and/or CollaborativeCommunities.

In further embodiments, any one or more of the above-cited sets may bereplaced with more refined sets corresponding to more specific types ofcollaborations, Collaborative Works and/or Collaborative Communities.For example, instead of (or in addition to) a set of one or morealgorithms, routines and/or programs for musical types ofcollaborations, Collaborative Works and/or Collaborative Communities,the CCE may include or use a first music set of one or more algorithms,routines and/or programs for a first music type (such as, but notlimited to, first music genre, style, or musical instrument), a secondmusic set of one or more algorithms, routines and/or programs for asecond musical type (such as, but not limited to, second music genre,style, or musical instrument), and so forth. Similarly, instead of (orin addition to) a set of one or more algorithms, routines and/orprograms for text types of collaborations, Collaborative Works and/orCollaborative Communities, the CCE may include or use a first text setof one or more algorithms, routines and/or programs for a first texttype (such as, but not limited to, first genre, style, or literatureformat), a second text set of one or more algorithms, routines and/orprograms for a second text type (such as, but not limited to, secondmusic genre, style, or literature format), and so forth. In each of theabove examples, each different set of one or more algorithms, routinesand/or programs includes at least one algorithm, routine and/or programthat is different from at least one of the other (or some or each of theother) sets of algorithms, routines and/or programs. In particularembodiments, each different set of one or more algorithms, routinesand/or programs is different from each of the other sets of algorithms,routines and/or programs.

In some embodiments one or more different algorithms, routines and/orprograms may be used by the CCE serially, simultaneously or acombination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, one or morealgorithms, routines and programs may be configured to account for,and/or include, information that reflect discoveries, research and/ortheories pertaining to factors, influences, causes and/or correlatesassociated with differential levels of collaboration compatibility oftwo or more persons, and/or groups of persons, etc.

In some embodiments information comprising and/or associated with one ormore Collaboration Compatibility Levels generated by the CCE isoutputted directly or substantially directly to one or more CWCS users,for example, to the user device 12. In some embodiments, suchinformation is provided to one or more other People and/or one or moreother components of the CWCS for use in association therewith. In someembodiments, such information is provided to a third party and/or athird party person, such as a computer system for further processing, toprovide, for example, without limitation, direct or indirect refinementand/or enhanced reliability of Collaboration Compatibility Level(s).

Example 10

With reference to FIG. 18, a non-limiting example of a process 970involving the CCE in association with the CWCS is described.

Content Controller, Songwriter Alpha, with the use of a user device 12,has engaged the use of the CWCS on the server 10, with the intent tocollaborate the composition of a song with another songwriter underspecified terms set forth in the Song Profile (Working Profile for thesong). Songwriter Alpha publishes a request and/or other informationregarding her desire to create a Collaboration Work in the form of acompleted pop song with the assistance of one or more other songwritersthrough the use of the CWCS. For example, Alpha may submit a message,sample and/or other information (including, but not limited to text,video and/or audio data) to the CWCS, for the CWCS to make available toother CWCS users or a selected set of CWCS users (and/or non CWCSnetwork users), for display on user devices 12 associated with suchother users, for example, but not limited to, by email, website posting,text message or other messaging, posting or data distribution mechanismprovided by the CWCS. To assist Songwriter Alpha in publishing arequest, the CWCS may provide an interface display screen (displayableon Songwriter Alpha's user device 12) for selecting an option forpublishing a collaboration request and for submitting informationregarding or relating to the request. (See, e.g., box 971 in FIG. 18.)The CWCS server 10 may be configured to receive information (including,but not limited to text, video and/or audio data) associated with therequest from Songwriter Alpha's user device 12, through the network.(See, e.g., box 972 in FIG. 18.) In response to receiving the requestinformation, the CWCS server 10 is configured to publish the request,for example, by sending one or more emails or text messages (or othernetwork-communicated messages) of the request to other users (other CWCSusers or non-CWCS network users), by posting the request on one or morepredefined websites, or other messaging mechanisms. (See, e.g., box 974in FIG. 18.)

In the present example, the CWCS provides, and Songwriter Alphareceives, several responses to her request, from other users, throughthe CWCS. (See, e.g., box 976 in FIG. 18.) For example, SongwriterAlpha's user device 12 (or the CWCS server 10, or both) may receive areply message, sample and/or other information from each of multipleCWCS users and/or non-CWCS network users, by email, website posting,text message or other messaging, posting or data distribution mechanismprovided through the CWCS.

Songwriter Alpha engages the use of the CCE to evaluate theCollaborative Compatibility Level of several of the songwriters thathave responded to her request publication. (See, e.g., box 978 in FIG.18.) For example, Songwriter Alpha may select a selectable item on aCWCS interface display screen displayed on Songwriter Alpha's userdevice 12, where the selectable item selects the option to engage theCCE. Once engaged, the CCE receives the reply messages, samples and/orother information from the multiple CWCS users and/or non-CWCS networkusers who responded to Songwriter Alpha's request publication. Inparticular embodiments, Songwriter Alpha designates or selects whichreply messages, samples and/or other information to submit to the CCE.In other embodiments, the CWCS and/or CCE are configured toautomatically submit to the CCE all (or selected ones) of the replymessages, samples and/or other information received through the CWCS, inresponse to Songwriter Alpha's published request.

In the present example, one of the songwriters that have responded toSongwriter Alpha's request publication is Songwriter Beta. Also in thepresent example, both Songwriter Alpha and Songwriter Beta submit to theCCE, certain CCE-usable Information via the CWCS. In this example, theCCE-usable Information includes each of their respective age, gender,music style preferences, physical location, and/or other information.Songwriter Beta also submits to the CCE via the CWCS, informationregarding the cost of his music songwriting services.

In this example, the CWCS and/or CCE is configured to obtain additionalCCE-usable information, via one or more CCE program routines, from oneor more third party databases (outside of the CWCS). Such additionalCCE-usable information may include, but is not limited to, informationregarding the web browsing habits and/or search engine use behaviors ofboth Songwriter Alpha and Songwriter Beta over a predefined period oftime (e.g., the latest one or more months, years, or other definedperiod), the contents of each of their respective electronic musiclibraries (such as, but not limited to iTunes® music libraries), and/ortheir music streaming history for a predefined period of time (e.g., thelatest one or more months, years or other defined period).

The foregoing information processed by the CCE using an algorithm,routine or program that has been designed or demonstrated (for example,with reproducible evidence-based results) to provide a measure regardingthe likely collaboration compatibility of persons for songwriting basedon correlative evidence pertaining to the data of the types acquired bythe CCE above. The CCE processes the aforementioned information usingthe aforementioned algorithm, routine or program and generates aCollaboration Compatibility Level measure, such as a numerical value orother indicator. (See, e.g., box 980 in FIG. 18.) In the presentexample, a Collaboration Compatibility Level measure of 8.243 on a scaleof 10 is generated (for Songwriter Alpha and Songwriter Beta ascollaboration partners), which data is electronically transmitted toSongwriter Alpha. Other Collaboration Compatibility Level measures maybe generated for one or more (or each of) the other songwriters whoresponded through the CWCS to Songwriter Alpha's published request. Thisdata can be used by Songwriter Alpha to assist her in her efforts tochoose a songwriting collaboration partner from a group of respondentsto her published request. In particular embodiments, the CWCS selectsone or more songwriters who responded to Songwriter Alpha's request asbeing compatible collaborators, based on the determined CollaborationCompatibility Level measure for such responding songwriters. In oneexample, the CWCS may select each responding songwriter having aCollaboration Compatibility Level measure that is above a predefinedthreshold level, as being a compatible collaborator. In otherembodiments, other algorithms or routines that employ the CollaborationCompatibility Level measure for selecting one or more respondingsongwriters as compatible collaborators may be employed.

In some embodiments of the invention, the Collaborative Work may involveone or more sessions between collaborators, a course of treatment, orpart thereof, such as, but not limited to psychotherapy, life coachingor another type of counseling for which counselor-client compatibilityis important. In some such embodiments of the invention, theCollaborative Compatibility Level (as between counselor and client) isdirected to providing useful predictive, evaluative or other informationregarding, for example, without limitation, the likelihood that aparticular therapist, counselor, coach, etc., will be able to establishan effective counseling relationship in a specified period of time.

In some embodiments of the invention, the Collaborative Work comprises adesired interpersonal relationship, such as a successful dating ormarital relationship or other social, quasi-social or virtually socialrelationship between two or more persons. In some such embodiments, theCCE is used to generate Collaboration Compatibility Level informationthat can be used to assist persons in regard to the creation of theCollaborative Work, i.e., the aforementioned desired interpersonalrelationship.

In some embodiments the CCE operates in association with one or moreCollaboration Work Similarity Evaluation Systems (“CWSES”). A CWSES mayinclude software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof, in theserver 10 or one or more of the user devices 12 (FIG. 1), that controlsone or more processors in the server 10 or user device(s) 12, to performfunctions of the CWSES described herein. In particular embodiments, theCWSES includes software stored on the user device(s) 12, or softwarestored at the server 10 and downloaded to one or more of the userdevice(s) 12. In other embodiments, the CWSES software, hardware,firmware or combinations thereof reside and operate on one or more othernetwork devices, and is accessible by the server 10 and/or userdevices(s) 12 over the communication network.

The CWSES is configured to determine whether, and how much one or moreworks are similar to one or more Collaboration Works and/orCollaboration Works in-progress, and to provide data corresponding tosuch determinations. Data provided by the CWSES may be employed by or inassociation with the CWCS in connection with one or more CWCSoperations, including, without limitation:

(i) to provide useful information to one or more users of the CWCS, suchas, for example, without limitation, one or more Content Controllers,one or more Collaboration Operators, and/or one or more actual orpotential Collaborative Work or Collaborative Work in-progresscollaborators, indicating or notifying the user(s) that a subjectCollaborative Work or Collaborative Work in progress is similar toanother work such that such work might potentially raise issues ofinfringement of intellectual property (such as, but not limited tocopyright, trademark, and/or patent infringement);(ii) to generate CCE-usable Information for generation of CollaborativeCompatibility Level data;(iii) to provide useful information as to whether a Collaborative Workor a Collaborative Work in-progress is sufficiently similar to anexemplar work or a specified genre as desired by Content Controllerand/or other user of the CWCS;(iv) to provide useful information to one or more CWCS users regardingwhether a Collaborative Work, a Collaborative Work in-progress, or apart thereof, is different enough from another work to trigger one ormore payment obligations, crediting obligations, or other rights, dutiesor obligations;(iv) to provide other useful information associated with thedetermination of whether, through the application and/or other use ofone or more criteria for the comparative determination of similitude oftwo or more works are similar.

In some embodiments, the CWSES is configured to compare two or moredigital files containing to two or more subject works, and determinewhether, and how much the two or more works are similar to each other,on the basis of common binary data. In some embodiments the degree ofsimilarity of such binary data to constitute “sufficiently similar”works can be set to a predetermined level by a user, for example,through a user interface (such as, but not limited to a display screen)provided on a user device 12. In some embodiments, artificialintelligence systems or processes of analysis, such as, but not limitedto component extraction and comparison, is used by the CWSES todetermine similarity.

Example 11

The following is an example of the use of the CWCS in an instance whereone Collaborative Work is a sandal design and another Collaborative Workis the funding of a business. In the instant example, a member “Member634” of a CWCS Community has made a new design of beach sandal productthat he desires to find assistance with financing, manufacturing,importing/fulfillment, creation of a website and marketing of theproduct to the public.

Member 634 (acting as a Content Controller) uploads pictures, designs,and other information relating to his design to the CWCS (for example,from a user device 12 to the CWCS server 10). The CWCS receives suchinformation and creates a new Creative Works Master Profile for hisSandals (Creative Work “Sandals”). In particular embodiments, the CWCSmay provide a user interface (such as, but not limited to one or moredisplay screens on the user device 12), to assist the user in uploadingthe information to the CWCS and creating a new Creative Works MasterProfile.

In addition, through the CWCS, Member 634 opens Working ProfilePreferences (titled “Sandals”) for a new collaboration and sets up abusiness plan through the working profile preferences. The workingprofile preferences may include one or more proposed terms orpreferences for a collaboration, where the terms or preferences mayrelate to the collaborative services for which Member 634 seeksassistance (which, in the instant example include financing,manufacturing, importing/fulfillment, creation of a website andmarketing of the product to the public, but which can be other servicesin other embodiments) and/or financial arrangements for receiving suchservices. In particular embodiments, Member 634 selects or enters termsin the Working Profile Preferences for “Sandals.” In particularembodiments, the CWCS may provide a user interface (such as, but notlimited to one or more display screens on the user device 12), to assistthe user in creating Working Profile Preferences and selecting orentering terms or preferences in the Working Profile Preferences for“Sandals.”

As a non-limiting example of such terms or preferences, based on theinstant “Sandals” example, such terms may include one or more of theterms described herein (or other terms). Such terms or preferences mayinclude a defined equity or profit share arrangement, that definesshares of equity in a Collaborative Work (or a business associatedtherewith) or shares of profit in sales of products that include, relateto or are made with the Collaborative Work. For example, Member 634 mayspecify that he is willing to keep or share a defined percentage (suchas, but not limited to keep 80% of profits and share 20% of profits) inany or specified proceeds from product sales or other profits, in returnfor a specified collaboration.

Such terms or preferences may include one or more defined CWCS role orother role relating to the Collaborative Work (or a business associatedtherewith). For example, Member 634 may specify that he (or otheridentified person) have a specific role in the collaboration or business(such as, but not limited to CWCS Content Controller or President of thebusiness).

Such terms or preferences may include a defined monetary draw or othercompensation for one or more specified persons involved in theCollaborative Work (or a business associated therewith). For example,Member 634 may specify that he will receive a particular compensation ona monthly or other periodic basis.

Such terms or preferences may include a defined amount and/or type offinancing (or financial equity) requested in return for a defined amountof equity in the Collaborative Work (or in a business associatedtherewith) or in profits from sales of products resulting from theCollaborative Work (or business). For example, Member 634 may specifythat he is willing to share a specified percentage (such as, but notlimited to 20%) of profits from sales of the products, in return for aspecified equity amount of investment (such as, but not limited to aspecified dollar amount).

Member 634 in attempting to find financing, create his website andmarket his sandals, may use the Collaborative Matching search engine tofind possible Members/Groups in the CWCS Community to collaborate withhim. He may begin his search by using the CWCS to look for CWCS groupsor CWCS individual members who have indicated that they are interestedin financing ventures and start-up companies. In particular embodiments,the CWCS includes one or more databases of such CWCS groups or CWCSindividual members, and provides Member 634 with access to suchdatabase(s). Alternatively or in addition, the CWCS includes or employsone or more network sites on which such CWCS groups or CWCS individualmembers post information regarding the groups or individuals and/ortheir interest in financing, and provides Member 634 with access to suchposts. In particular embodiments, the CWCS may provide a user interface(such as, but not limited to one or more display screens on the userdevice 12), to assist the user (e.g., Member 634) in using the CWCS andaccessing the database(s), posts or other information identifying CWCSgroups or CWCS individual members who have indicated that they areinterested in financing ventures and start-up companies.

In the instant example, from the database(s), postings or other sources,Member 634 may identify several Groups that specify they are looking forinvestment opportunities. Member 634 sends one or more invitations toeach Group, seeking a collaborative effort with his sandal design thatwill allow him to manufacture, build a website and market the product.In particular embodiments, such invitations are sent through email, textmessaging, posting on a specified website page, or other networkcommunication or messaging mechanism, through the CWCS. In particularembodiments, the CWCS may provide a user interface (such as, but notlimited to one or more display screens on the user device 12), to assistthe user in creating, addressing, sending or delivering invitations toeach of the identified Groups.

In the instant example, Member 634 may receive a number of responses(for multiple different Groups) to the invitations. In particularembodiments, such responses are sent and received through email, textmessaging, posting on a specified website page, or other networkcommunication or messaging mechanism, through the CWCS. In particularembodiments, the CWCS may provide a user interface (such as, but notlimited to one or more display screens on user devices 12), to assistthe user (e.g., a Group or Group member) in creating, addressing,sending or delivering responses to invitations. Member 634 may reviewinformation about each responding Group (for example, informationprovided by each Group or provided by the CWCS about each Group), andmay select one of the Groups for collaboration.

For example, Member 634 may find that information provided about one ormore of the Groups appears to favorable to Member 634. As a non-limitingexample, Member 634 may have decided that Group 240 appears favorable,based on a review (by Member 634) of information indicating that Group240 was formed by 10 members with a combination of capital that matchesor corresponds to the amount of Member 634's capital equity investmentrequest, and has expertise in apparel.

Accordingly, Member 634 (as the Content Controller) informs Group 240 ofa desire to collaborate, in connection with the Creative Work(“Sandals”). In particular embodiments, Member 634 informs Group 240 bycommunicating one or more electronic messages, for example, throughemail, text messaging, posting on a specified website page, or othernetwork communication or messaging mechanism, through the CWCS. Inparticular embodiments, the CWCS may provide a user interface (such as,but not limited to one or more display screens on the user device 12),to assist the user in creating, addressing, sending or delivering suchmessage(s) to the selected Group (e.g., Group 240).

Group 240 (or a member of Group 240) may review the Working ProfilePreferences “Sandals” set for the collaboration and may proposes changesto be made, using the Working Profile Preferences Negotiation Engine, asdescribed herein. In a non-limiting example, these changes may includeone or more specified time periods (such as, but not limited to a timeperiod set to find a website designer and build the site). These changesmay include one or more defined amounts (or changes in Member 634'sproposed amounts) of equity in the Collaborative Work (or in a businessassociated therewith) or in profits from sales of products resultingfrom the Collaborative Work (or business). For example, Group 240 maypropose to take 50% of sales profits (instead of the 20% initiallyoffered by Member 634), in return for providing a defined amount offinancial equity. The changes may include one or more defined roles (orchanges in Member 634's proposed roles). For example, Group 240 maypropose to be the Content Controller for the Sandal design, to specifywho will manufacture the sandals. The changes may include additionalproposed terms or preferences. For example, Group 240 may propose torequire all accounting receivable and payable and dividends scheduledfor payment to be processed through the Group 240 Profile. In addition,Group 240 may confirm the amount of equity investment (or propose adifferent amount) that the Group 240 will provide. For example, Group240 may propose (or confirm) to provide $100,000 in equity investmentcapital.

Member 634 may review the changes or other responses provided (forexample, through the NE) by Group 240. After reviewing the proposedchanges from Group 240, Member 634 may reply (for example, through theNE) with further revised terms, an acknowledgment to accept some or allof the changes proposed by Group 240, a refusal to accept some or all ofsuch changes, or another suitable response. In a non-limiting example,Member 634 accepts the time limit set to find a website designer andbuild the site, accepts 50% of profits, accepts Group 240 becoming theContent Controller for the Sandal design, accepts Group 240 specifyingwho will manufacture the sandals and accepts all accounting receivableand payable and dividends scheduled for payment to be processed throughthe Group 240 Profile and he accepts the $100,000 equity investment. Inaddition, Member 634 may proposes further changes or additional terms orpreferences (for example, through the NE), in responding to the proposedchanges from Group 240. In a non-limiting example, Member 634 requestsare to increase his monthly draw to $1500, requests that all purchasesand payments be digitally signed off by both Group 240 and Member 634through the accounting engine, and a guaranteed price point of $10 perpair of sandals on the sandal manufacture and delivery.

Group 240 (or a member of Group 240) may review (for example, throughthe NE) the acknowledgement or acceptance (or refusal) of some or all ofGroup 240's latest proposed changes, and any further changes oradditions to the terms or preferences proposed by Member 634. Group 240may accept or refuse (for example, through the NE) the latest acceptedchanges and any further proposed changes or additions from member 634.If Group 240 accepts the latest accepted terms and preferences andaccepts each changed or additional term or preference proposed by Member634, then an agreement can be generated by the CWCS (for example,through the AE). The CWCS (for example, through the AE) may provide thegenerated agreement to each party (for example, to the Member 634 andthe Group 240) for review and signature. In particular embodiments, theagreement is accessible by the Member 634 and the Group 240, onrespective user devices 12 (for example, for downloading to the userdevice 12, display on a display screen associated with the user device12, print on a printing device associated with the user device 12, orstore on a non-transient electronic storage medium associated with theuser device 12), through the CWCS.

In certain embodiments, the agreement is accessible through the CWCS,for execution by each party to the agreement (e.g., by Member 634 andGroup 240). In particular embodiments, the CWCS receives a digitalsignature on or for the agreement, a digital copy of a signed version ofthe agreement, or other predefined input representing the acceptance byeach party (such as, but not limited to, input representing that theparty has clicked or otherwise selected an acceptance icon or the likeon a display screen provided through the AE. Upon one or both parties(Member 634 and Group 240) executing the agreement, the executed (orpartially executed) agreement is stored in the “Collaboration Sandal 1”Profile, and the CWCS opens a Working Profile for “Collaboration Sandal1.”

The parties (e.g., Member 634 and Group 240) may, then, proceed toperform tasks in accordance with the terms of the agreement. In anon-limiting example, Group 240 deposits $100,000 into an escrow accountof the working profile accounting engine for “Collaboration Sandal 1”.

Meanwhile, Member 634 searches the CWCS Community with the CollaborativeMatching Search Engine to find a web designer (for example, “Member 22”)that he believes would be appropriate for building a web store for thecollaboration. Member 634 through the Working Profile for “CollaborationSandals 1” contacts Group 240 and suggested that they hire Member 22 tobuild the web store and requests that they open a new collaboration“Collaboration Sandals 2” and a Working Profile “Collaboration Sandal 2”so he can work with Member 22 on building the site for the sandaldesign.

Group 240 (being the Content Controller) opens Working ProfilePreferences for a second collaboration “Collaboration Sandal 2” that isexclusively for building the web store for the sandals. As part of theWorking Profile Preferences “Collaboration Sandal 2,” Group 240 mayspecify terms or preferences, such as, but not limited to terms relatingto payment amounts, time requirements, or other duties or requirements.In a non-limiting example, Group 240 specifies that they will pay $5000to have the site built with 20% paid at the signing of the agreements,that the store must be built within 30 days of the signed agreement, andthat Member 634 must oversee the construction, marketing, design, andfunctionality of the web store.

Group 240 sends an invitation to Member 634 and Member 22 to review eachof their specific portions of the Working Profile Preferences for“Collaboration Sandal 2”. Member 634 may accept (or refuse) the WorkingProfile Preferences for “Collaboration Sandal 2” that he oversees theconstruction, marketing, design, and functionality of the web store.Member 22 may open the Working Profile Preferences Negotiation Enginefor “Collaboration Sandal 2” and may reply with an acceptance, refusalor propose further changes or additions to the terms or preferences. Ina non-limiting example, Member 634 accepts the Working ProfilePreferences, while Member 22 proposes that instead he would take 5% ofthe Content Controller (Group 240's) profits, the time period would be45 days to build the site and that he would spend 10 hours a monthmanaging and upgrading the site for 10 years. Group 240 accepts thechanges to Member 22's specific portion of the Working ProfilePreferences for “Collaboration Sandal 2”. The CWCS Working ProfilePreferences “Collaboration Sandal 2” then generates 2 unique agreements(for example, through the AE) based on the Working Profile Preferencesfor “Collaboration Sandal 2” for (Group 240 and Member 634) and (Group240 and Member 22). The agreements are provided to the respectiveparties for review and signature, for example, in a manner as discussedabove. Once all agreements are executed digitally, the CWCS opens a newWorking Profile web design studio for “Collaboration Sandal 2”.

Thus, in accordance with the terms, rights and duties under thecontracts in the instant non-limiting example, two sets of events maytranspire.

In accordance with a first set of events, Group 240 contact's theirapparel manufacturer, outside the CWCS, regarding the sandalmanufacturing. To make the price point in the agreement ($10 per pair ofsandals), the manufacturer demands that a specified number of pairs ofsandals be ordered, at the price point amount (for example, but notlimited to 8,000 pairs be ordered, equaling $80,000). Group 240 agreeson the price and may make a paper agreement outside the CWCS with themanufacturer. Group 240 scans and inputs the manufacturing agreementinto the CWCS and attaches the manufacturing agreement to the WorkingProfile “Collaboration Sandals 1” for Member 634 to review and sign (andfor Group 240 to sign). The Working Profile for “Collaboration Sandals1” digitally transmits the signed/executed copy of the agreement to themanufacturer. The manufacturer then prints, signs and mails via post thesigned/executed agreement back to Group 240. Group 240 scans and inputsthe final signed/executed agreement (that has been executed by allparties) into the CWCS and attaches it to Working Profile “CollaborationSandal 1.” Group 240 and Member 634 then each digitally confirm anaccount transfer from Working Profile “Collaboration Sandals 1” for theamount to be paid to the manufacturer (for example, but not limited tothe $80,000 amount noted above).

In accordance with a second set of events (which may occur simultaneousor in series with some or all of the first set of events), Member 22develops the web store, in accordance with the agreements made withrespect to “Collaboration Sandal 2.” For example, during a 45 daysperiod specified in that agreement, Member 22 completes the web storeand Member 634 has approves functionality and design of the store. Theweb store has been setup so that all funds from purchases areautomatically deposited into Master Profile Sandals which is thentransferred to Group 240's Profile for distribution. Upon completion ofthe development and approval of the web store, Member 634 and Member 22determine that they would like to close the working profile for“Collaboration Sandal 2.” After Group 240 reviews and approves of theweb store site, the parties make the “Collaboration Sandal 2” locked andclosed. In addition, Group 240 and Member 634 open the web store andbegin marketing the sandals to the general public. Both Group 240 andMember 634 agree to leave Working Profile “Collaboration Sandals 1” opendue to future transactions, purchases and development.

In some embodiments or use of the invention, the works generated by,from, or in association with, the functioning of the CWCS, may comprisenon-physical, intangible objects or works, such as virtual objects, suchas, for example, without limitation, virtual products. In someembodiments of the invention the CWCS collaboration environment includesone or more virtual reality platforms or environments for the creationof Collaborative Works that comprise in whole or in part, virtualproducts, services provided in, or in association with, one or morevirtual worlds, or tangible products or services designed in, or withthe assistance of a virtual world.

It is to be understood that the term Collaboration Works and the termCreative Works as used herein can apply to virtual products that arecollaboratively created. Additionally, it is to be understood thatactivities depicted in a virtual worlds, including game play on acomputer game can also comprise a Collaboration and/or a CollaborationWork created by the game players.

In some embodiments, Collaboration Works can include products designedwith, or made on, one or more 3-D printers, as well as the design ofsuch products.

In some embodiments described herein, the CWCS may track (identify,record, or perform other predefined operations on) information aboutrights, sales, distribution, authorship, so assist with appropriatecompensation to appropriate users or service providers. In particularembodiments, the CWCS can track other variables or perform otherfunctions, depending on the Working Profile or Agreements associatedwith the Working Profile. The CWCS may be configured to identify andtrack any variable depending in a collaboration depending on a settingof the CWCS in the Agreement and/or the Working Profile.’

For example, each Agreement or Working Profile in the CWCS may include(or be associated with) a stored setting (value, key word, or otherpredefined designator), where the stored setting is associated by theCWCS with a predefined tracking variable. In particular, a plurality ofdifferent settings may be associated, on a one-to-one basis, with acorresponding plurality of different tracking variables. In suchembodiments, the CWCS may be configured to determine a tracking variableand/or a tracking or other function (for a Collaborative Work that isthe subject of or otherwise associated with the Agreement or WorkingProfile), based on the setting stored with or in association with anAgreement or Working Profile.

The terms defined herein, and grammatical variations thereof, areintended to be construed broadly so that the meanings will reasonablyeffectuate the broadest interpretation of all of the parts of thisdisclosure in which they are used.

For example, the term “updating” refers, for example, to simultaneous orsubstantially simultaneous updating in some embodiments andnon-synchronous updating in some embodiments. For example, in general,and in many of the embodiments of the invention disclosed, updating of afile or other feature of the CWCS is intended to occur as soon aspossible after an event requiring updating occurs. But in some instancesregarding the use of the CWCS, such as where an approval is required,updating, according to some embodiments, is non-synchronous or delayeduntil the happening of one′ or more other events, such as the obtainingof an approval, a signed agreement, etc.

After various inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein.

All reasonable variants of the examples and other parts of thisdisclosure are intended to be, and shall be deemed to be, set forthherein as if incorporated herein in full.

The above-described embodiments can be implemented using hardware,software, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, thesoftware code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection ofprocessors, whether provided in a single computer system (“computer”) ordistributed among multiple computers.

Further, it should be appreciated that a computer may be embodied in anyof a number of forms, such as a rack-mounted computer, a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a server computer, a cloud-based computingenvironment, a tablet computer, etc. According to various embodiments, acomputer includes one or more of any of those options, or the like, oris embedded in a device not generally regarded as a computer but withsuitable processing capabilities, including a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), a smart phone, or any other suitable portable or fixed electronicdevice.

Various embodiments include hardware devices, as well as programproducts including computer-readable, non-transient storage media forcarrying or having data or data structures stored thereon for carryingout processes as described herein. Such non-transient media, in variousembodiments are any available media that can be accessed by ageneral-purpose or special-purpose computer or server. By way ofexample, such non-transient storage media include, in variousembodiments, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), field programmable gate array(FPGA), flash memory, compact disk, or other optical disk storage,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in theform of computer-executable instructions or data structures and whichcan be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.Combinations of the above are also be included within the scope ofnon-transient media, in some embodiments. In various embodiments,volatile computer memory, non-volatile computer memory, or combinationsof volatile and non-volatile computer memory is included within thescope of non-transient storage media. Computer-executable instructionsaccording to various embodiments include, for example, instructions anddata that cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, orspecial-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or groupof functions.

In addition to a system, various embodiments are described in thegeneral context of methods and/or processes, which are implemented insome embodiments by a program product including computer-executableinstructions, such as program code. These instructions, according tovarious embodiments, are executed by computers in networkedenvironments. The terms “method” and “process” are synonymous unlessotherwise noted. Generally, program modules according to variousembodiments, include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, or the like, that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions,associated data structures, and program modules represent examples ofprogram code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. Theparticular sequence of such executable instructions or associated datastructures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementingthe functions described in such steps.

In some embodiments, the method(s) and/or system(s) discussed throughoutare operated in a networked environment using logical connections to oneor more remote computers having processors. Logical connectionsaccording to some embodiments include a local area network (LAN) and awide area network (WAN) that are presented here by way of example andnot limitation. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffice-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and theInternet. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such networkcomputing environments encompass many types of computer systemconfigurations in some embodiments, including personal computers,hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network personal computers,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like.

In some embodiments, the method(s) and/or system(s) discussed throughoutare operated in distributed computing environments in which tasks areperformed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (suchas by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwiredor wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributedcomputing environment, according to some embodiments, program modulesare located in both local and remote memory storage devices. Data, invarious embodiments, is stored either in repositories and synchronizedwith a central warehouse optimized for queries and/or for reporting, orstored centrally in a database (e.g., dual use database) and/or thelike.

According to various embodiments, various methods or processes outlinedherein are coded and executable on one or more processors that employany one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally,such software is written using any of a number of suitable programminglanguages and/or programming or scripting tools, and, according to someembodiments, compiled as executable machine language code orintermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine. Invarious embodiments, the computer-executable code includes code from anysuitable computer programming or scripting language or is compiled fromany suitable computer-programming language, such as, but not limited to,ActionScript, C, C++, C#, Go, HTML, Java, JavaScript, JavaScript Flash,JSON, Objective-C, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, Visual Basic, or XML.

In this respect, various inventive concepts are embodied as a computerreadable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media)(e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs,optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, circuit configurations inField Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or othernon-transitory medium or tangible computer storage medium) encoded withone or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers orother processors, perform methods that implement the various embodimentsof the invention discussed above. The computer-readable medium or mediacan be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereoncan be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processorsto implement various aspects of the present invention as discussedabove. The recitation of a module, logic, unit, or circuit configured toperform a function includes discrete electronic and/or programmedmicroprocessor portions configured to carry out the functions. Forexample, in various embodiments, different modules or unit that performfunctions are embodied as portions of memory and/or a microprocessorprogrammed to perform the functions.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, oneor more computer programs that, when executed, perform methods of thepresent invention, need not reside on a single computer or processor,but are distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of differentcomputers or processors to implement various aspects of the presentinvention.

In various embodiments, displaying information includes outputting theinformation to from a server 10 to a user device 12. In some of thoseenvironments, at least some of the information output to the user device12 is provided to a user, or related information is provided to theuser. In some embodiments, displaying information includes outputtinginformation to a display, such as, but not limited to, a monitor, LCDscreen, plasma screen, projector, television, or the like.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

Although the foregoing is described in reference to specificembodiments, it is not intended to be limiting or disclaim subjectmatter. Rather, the invention as described herein is defined by thefollowing claims, and any that may be added through additionalapplications or other proceedings. The inventors intend no disclaimer orother limitation of rights by the foregoing technical disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of selecting terms for collaboration ona work, the method comprising: providing an electronic user interfacefor assisting a first user in submitting over an electroniccommunication network a request for collaboration on a work, includinginformation about the work; receiving, by an electronic processor,information from the first user over the communication network, throughthe user interface, the information including a message corresponding tothe request for collaboration on the work; determining, with theelectronic processor, a collaboration compatibility level for at leastone second user for collaboration with the first user on the work;selecting, with the electronic processor, one or more values, terms,conditions or other parameters of a clause, contract or contracttemplate, corresponding to the collaboration compatibility level for atleast one second user; and presenting the one or more values, terms,conditions or other parameters of a clause, contract or contracttemplate to the first user.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, whereinselecting comprises selecting a compensation amount dependent, at leastin part, on the collaboration compatibility level determined for atleast one second user.
 3. A method as recited in claim 2, whereinpresenting comprises generating at least one contract clause, contractterm, contract or contract template that includes the selected type ofcompensation.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein selectingcomprises selecting a type of compensation dependent, at least in part,on the collaboration compatibility level determined for at least onesecond user.
 5. A method as recited in claim 4, wherein presentingcomprises generating at least one contract clause, contract term,contract or contract template that includes the selected type ofcompensation.
 6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein presentingcomprises generating at least one contract clause, contract term,contract or contract template that includes the selected one or morevalues, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause, contract orcontract template.
 7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein each ofthe one or more values, terms, conditions or other parameters of aclause, contract or contract template is associated with one or morecollaboration compatibility levels, and wherein selecting comprisesselecting one or more values, terms, conditions or other parameters of aclause, contract or contract template that is associated with thedetermined collaboration compatibility level for the at least one seconduser.
 8. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the one or morevalues, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause, contract orcontract template is associated with one or more collaborationcompatibility level thresholds, and wherein selecting comprisesselecting one or more values, terms, conditions or other parameters of aclause, contract or contract template that is associated with acollaboration compatibility level threshold that is met or exceeded bythe collaboration compatibility level determined for the at least onesecond user.
 9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the oneor more values, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause,contract or contract template is associated with one or morecollaboration compatibility level thresholds, and wherein selectingcomprises selecting one or more values, terms, conditions or otherparameters of a clause, contract or contract template that is associatedwith a collaboration compatibility level threshold that is below thecollaboration compatibility level determined for the at least one seconduser.
 10. A system of selecting terms for collaboration on a work, thesystem comprising an electronic processor configured to: provide anelectronic user interface for assisting a first user in submitting overan electronic communication network a request for collaboration on awork, including information about the work; receive information from thefirst user over the communication network, through the user interface,the information including a message corresponding to the request forcollaboration on the work; determine a collaboration compatibility levelfor at least one second user for collaboration with the first user onthe work; select one or more values, terms, conditions or otherparameters of a clause, contract or contract template, corresponding tothe collaboration compatibility level for at least one second user; andpresent the one or more values, terms, conditions or other parameters ofa clause, contract or contract template to the first user.
 11. A systemas recited in claim 10, wherein the electronic processor is configuredto select a compensation amount dependent, at least in part, on thecollaboration compatibility level determined for at least one seconduser.
 12. A system as recited in claim 11, wherein the electronicprocessor is configured to generate at least one contract clause,contract term, contract or contract template that includes the selectedtype of compensation.
 13. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein theelectronic processor is configured to select a type of compensationdependent, at least in part, on the collaboration compatibility leveldetermined for at least one second user.
 14. A system as recited inclaim 13, wherein the electronic processor is configured to generate atleast one contract clause, contract term, contract or contract templatethat includes the selected type of compensation.
 15. A system as recitedin claim 10, wherein the electronic processor is configured to generateat least one contract clause, contract term, contract or contracttemplate that includes the selected one or more values, terms,conditions or other parameters of a clause, contract or contracttemplate.
 16. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein each of the oneor more values, terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause,contract or contract template is associated with one or morecollaboration compatibility levels, and wherein the electronic processoris configured to select one or more values, terms, conditions or otherparameters of a clause, contract or contract template that is associatedwith the determined collaboration compatibility level for the at leastone second user.
 17. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein each ofthe one or more values, terms, conditions or other parameters of aclause, contract or contract template is associated with one or morecollaboration compatibility level thresholds, and wherein the electronicprocessor is configured to select one or more values, terms, conditionsor other parameters of a clause, contract or contract template that isassociated with a collaboration compatibility level threshold that ismet or exceeded by the collaboration compatibility level determined forthe at least one second user.
 18. A system as recited in claim 10,wherein each of the one or more values, terms, conditions or otherparameters of a clause, contract or contract template is associated withone or more collaboration compatibility level thresholds, and whereinthe electronic processor is configured to select one or more values,terms, conditions or other parameters of a clause, contract or contracttemplate that is associated with a collaboration compatibility levelthreshold that is below the collaboration compatibility level determinedfor the at least one second user.
 19. A method of selecting a user forcollaboration on a work, the method comprising: providing an electronicuser interface for assisting a user in submitting over an electroniccommunication network a request for collaboration on a work, includinginformation about the work; receiving by an electronic processor, overthe electronic communication network, information from a first user,through the user interface, the information including a messagecorresponding to the request for collaboration on the work; publishingthe a request, of the first user, for collaboration on the work;providing, over the communication network, to the first user responsesreceived from one or more of the other users; and evaluating, with aprocessor-operated algorithm, routine or program on the electronicprocessor, at least one of the responses received from the one or moreother users to determine a compatibility level relating to the likelycompatibility of the first user and the one or more other users whosubmitted each response; and selecting, with the electronic processor,one or more of the other users for collaboration on the work, based atleast in part on the compatibility level determined for each of theother users.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein receiving informationfrom the first user comprises receiving a message including text, videoor audio information describing the work for which collaboration isrequested.